Al Nassr beats Damac 4-1, Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice and wins first Saudi title
Al-Nassr beat Damac 4-1 this Thursday, May 21, at Alawwal Park, at Riad. The victory guaranteed the Campeonato Saudita title to the Jorge Jesus team in the last round. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, reaching 28 goals in the competition and 973 in his career. The Portuguese was emotional at the end of the game.
Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman completed the score. Morlaye Sylla scored a penalty for Damac. The result put an end to two consecutive runners-up for Al-Nassr in the league since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at the end of 2022.
Gols left in decisive moments of the match
The first half started truncated. Al-Nassr needed the victory to confirm the title. Damac was fighting against relegation. Aos 15 minutes, Al Khaibari finished from the half-moon and the ball hit the post.
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Aos 33 minutes, João Félix takes a corner from the right. Sadio Mané went up alone in the small area and headed the ball into the corner. The goal put Al-Nassr back in the lead of the championship. The team went into halftime with a minimal lead.
Segundo time had rapid enlargement and final excitement
Logo six minutes into the second half, Kingsley Coman received the ball on the right, played with Al Khaibari and shot well. The ball entered the left corner. The score was 2-0.
Damac decreased after 12 minutes. Simakan touched his arm during a corner kick. The referee awarded a penalty after consulting the VAR. Sylla converted. Goalkeeper Bento almost got to the ball.
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Cristiano Ronaldo responded at 17 minutes. Ele took a free kick from the left and the ball went past everyone before going into the corner. The goal reassured the fans. Aos 36 minutes, Coman and Boushal tabled on the right. The backward cross fell to Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished strong and made it 4-1.
- Sadio Mané opened the scoring in the 33rd minute of the first half
- Kingsley Coman increased six minutes into the second half
- Morlaye Sylla scored a penalty 12 minutes into the second half
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored at 17 and 36 minutes of the second half
Cristiano Ronaldo lived a special afternoon with a historic mark
The Portuguese completed 28 goals in Campeonato Saudita. Ele finished as third top scorer of the edition, behind Julián Quiñones and Ivan Toney. In his career, Cristiano Ronaldo scored goal number 973.
At the final whistle, the attacker was seen crying. The achievement represents Campeonato Saudita’s first official title for him in Al-Nassr. Antes, the team had only won Copa from Campeões Árabes, a tournament not recognized by the AFC.
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Jorge Jesus won his first title with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese coach had already lifted trophies with rival Al-Hilal. Fábio Carille commanded Damac in the match.
On the same topic: Goalkeeper Bento asks Cristiano Ronaldo for forgiveness after Al-Nassr secures Saudi Championship title
Al-Nassr ends title drought in the national league
The club has not been Saudi champion since the 2018-19 season. Nas last two editions, Al-Nassr finished second. Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal took turns winning the title.
The victory by three goals difference in the last round guaranteed the cup. Al-Hilal won his commitment, but was unable to overtake his rival in terms of balance or points. Al-Nassr closed the competition in the lead.
Ficha technical confirms dominance of Al-Nassr
Referee Khalid Al Turais commanded the game. Cartões yellow cards were distributed to players on both teams, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané.
Al-Nassr 4 x 1 Damac Gols:Sadio Mané (33′ 1T), Kingsley Coman (6′ 2T), Morlaye Sylla (12′ 2T, penalty), Cristiano Ronaldo (17′ and 36′ 2T).
More on this story: Bento recognizes mistake and apologizes to Cristiano Ronaldo after Al-Nassr wins title
The Al-Nassr lineup had Bento in goal, with highlights being the performances of João Félix, Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mané. Jorge Jesus’s team controlled most of the actions and converted the main chances.
Damac fought until the end, but could not resist the opponent’s offensive power. The result confirmed the title and Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional farewell to the field.
