Striker Cristiano Ronaldo scores two decisive goals and puts Al-Nassr close to the Saudi title
Al-Nassr took a key step towards securing the trophy from Campeonato Saudita by overcoming Damac at the Al Awal Park stadium. The match took place on Thursday afternoon in the city of Riade. Sob under the command of coach Jorge Jesus, the home team needed a positive result to confirm the national victory in front of their fans. The confrontation gained high tension in the second stage, requiring interventions from the video assistant referee and strategic substitutions. Goalkeeper Bento started among the starters after being left out of the Seleção Brasileira list prepared by Carlo Ancelotti.
The pressure on the Al-Nassr squad was evident from the opening whistle. The team had conceded a stoppage-time draw against rivals Al-Hilal in the previous round. Esse stumble postponed the official party for the local fans. The offensive sector was attended by the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared the attacking actions with the French Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mané. The tactical formation adopted sought to suffocate the opponent in the first minutes of the game to avoid defensive surprises.
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Kingsley Coman opens the scoring with a precise shot in the second half
The home team maintained its aggressive stance after the break. Spanish defender Iñigo Martínez created the first clear opportunity in the fourth minute when he advanced down the left aisle. Ele made a low cross aimed at the penalty area. Cristiano Ronaldo tried to anticipate quickly, but the defender Rabea managed to deflect the ball across the baseline. The move served as a warning of the offensive volume that would dominate the following minutes of the match.
The opening of the scoring occurred six minutes into the second half. Kingsley Coman received a pass in the middle and accelerated the play towards the goal. The French striker connected with midfielder Al-Khaibari at the edge of the opponent’s box. With agility, he dominated the ball and finished powerfully using his left foot. The shot hit the Kewin goalkeeper’s right corner, putting Al-Nassr ahead on the scoreboard.
Arbitragem uses video technology and Damac takes advantage of a penalty kick
Damac took advantage of the spaces left by the home team’s defensive system immediately after conceding the goal. Aos Ten minutes in, the visiting team took a corner kick at the first post. Defender Bedrane rose higher than the mark and headed the ball with great danger. The ball passed close to the right post defended by Bento. The play highlighted the aerial vulnerability of the team led by Jorge Jesus at that specific moment in the confrontation.
Continued pressure resulted in a maximum penalty in the eleventh minute. Bedrane won another battle at the top and headed firmly towards the goal. The ball touched the right arm of defender Simakan inside the area. The main referee was called by the video team to review the move on the side monitor. The infraction was quickly confirmed and the French defender received a yellow card for the irregularity.
Midfielder Sylla took responsibility for the charge after twelve minutes. The player ran to the ball and shot low into the right corner. Bento jumped in the right direction but couldn’t reach the ball in time. The partial draw brought a level of apprehension to the Al Awal Park stadium. The coaches initiated a series of immediate modifications to alter the tactical dynamics of the duel.
The Damac coach made two simultaneous changes in the offensive sector to maintain the momentum. Méïté stepped into Arielson’s spot, while David Kaiki replaced Al-Anazi. Pelo sided with Al-Nassr, Jorge Jesus put forward Naji in place of defender Rabea. The intensity of the disputes increased on the pitch and Sadio Mané received a yellow card for kicking the ball away. The game was concentrated in midfield for several minutes.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scores historic free kick and extends local lead
The most impactful moment of the match came seventeen minutes into the final stage. João Félix suffered a hard foul on the left side of the penalty area. The position offered little angle for a direct shot at the goal. Cristiano Ronaldo took charge under the watchful eyes of the fans present at the stadium. The Portuguese striker executed a strong shot with great effect on the ball’s trajectory.
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The submission covered the wall and entered Kewin’s left corner. The move represented the 972nd goal in the athlete’s professional career. Cristiano Ronaldo collapsed on the lawn during the celebration and cried expressively. Teammates ran to support the player in the attacking field. The goal restored stability to Al-Nassr and generated great celebration in the stands at Riade.
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Damac tried to react by exploring plays on the sides of the field to cross balls into the area. Aos Twenty-three minutes in, Coman received a pass at the edge of the area and finished with his right leg. Kewin made an excellent save and prevented the home team’s fourth goal. The referee stopped the match after twenty-nine minutes to allow the athletes to hydrate due to the strong heat in the Saudi capital.
Jogada built by the right wing sets the final score in Riade
Al-Nassr regained absolute control of ball possession in the final stretch of the duel. Sadio Mané tried an individual attack on the left in the thirty-first minute. The Senegalese scored against Coman, but the assistant flagged offside in the attack. João Félix also created a good opportunity with a long cross, but the ball went out on the touchline. The team exchanged passes with precision to manage the advantage they had built.
The fourth goal came after thirty-five minutes through a quick transition. Winger Boushal advanced along the baseline in the right sector of the field. Ele made a low pass aimed at the center of the opponent’s area. Cristiano Ronaldo anticipated the defender’s marking and shot first time with his right foot. The ball entered the goalkeeper’s left corner, sealing the positive result for the home team.
Learn more: Al-Nassr starts Saudi Championship without Cristiano Ronaldo on the field
The second stage concentrated the main events of the decisive confrontation valid for Campeonato Saudita. The dynamics of the game changed completely after the break with offensive actions on both sides.
- Kingsley Coman opened the scoring with a powerful left leg shot from the edge of the box.
- Midfielder Sylla converted the maximum penalty for the visiting team after a handball.
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored a free kick and reached the mark of 972 goals in his professional career.
- The Portuguese striker closed the scoring after precise assistance from winger Boushal on the right.
Jorge Jesus made new changes after the fourth goal to preserve the physical conditioning of its starters. The young midfielder Ângelo replaced the Yahya midfielder after thirty-eight minutes. Damac responded with the entry of Al-Sumairi in place of Okita. The visiting team was unable to overcome the defensive blockade set up in the final stretch of the match and accepted the opponent’s superiority.
The final minutes passed with Al-Nassr exchanging passes in the defense field without being pressured. The local fans sang loudly in the stands of Al Awal Park celebrating the proximity of the national victory. The final whistle confirmed the technical dominance of the home team during the ninety minutes of ball rolling. The squad is now awaiting mathematical confirmation of the next games to lift the league trophy.
