Cristiano Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr’s second goal at the 34th minute of the first half, with a precise header after a cross from Sadio Mané, in the classic against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi League.
The match is taking place at King Abdullah Stadium, Jeddah, on this Friday (26), in the fourth round of the competition, with both teams tied at nine points before the starting whistle.
The game, which decides the sole leadership, remains open, with Al-Nassr pressing and Al-Ittihad counterattacking.
- Al-Nassr opens the score early with Mané’s volley.
- CR7 misses chances before converting the second.
- Al-Ittihad has a goal disallowed for offside.
Lineup and team formations
Al-Ittihad, coached by Laurent Blanc, adopts a 4-3-3 setup, with Rajkovic in goal and Benzema leading the attack.
Fabinho and Kanté anchor the midfield, while Bergwijn and Diaby play on the wings.
The team has three consecutive wins, scoring 10 goals this season.
Electrifying start on the pitch
Sadio Mané opened the scoring at 8 minutes with a spectacular volley after a move by Kingsley Coman on the right.
Al-Nassr kept possession and created three clear chances with Cristiano Ronaldo in the following minutes.
Al-Ittihad responded with a shot from Bergwijn at 16 minutes, saved by Bento.
João Félix missed a chance from a corner at 23 minutes.
Timeline of key moments
- 00′: Match starts with Al-Ittihad’s kickoff.
- 02′: Al-Nassr presses early, but João Félix fails to finish in the box.
- 07′: Diaby’s cross to Bergwijn is blocked by the defense.
- 08′: Mané’s volley goal after Coman’s cross (Al-Nassr 1-0).
- 29′: Diaby’s goal disallowed for offside for Al-Ittihad.
- 34′: Ronaldo’s header extends lead to 2-0.
The match remains balanced, with Al-Nassr controlling the pace at 36 minutes.
Constant pressure in attack
Cristiano Ronaldo took a free kick at 12 minutes but hit the wall, keeping up the offensive push.
Mané sought a through ball to the Portuguese at 29 minutes, intercepted by goalkeeper Rajkovic.
Al-Ittihad exchanged passes in defense at 28 minutes, aiming to regroup.
Bento made a crucial save at 16 minutes on Bergwijn’s shot.
The match shows balance, with Al-Nassr scoring 12 goals in three prior games and conceding only one.
Recent history of the rivals
The teams have faced each other 25 times recently, with 12 wins for Al-Nassr and eight for Al-Ittihad.
The last encounter, in the Super Cup, ended 2-1 for Al-Nassr.
Both teams arrive unbeaten, with 100% records in the league.
Benzema and Ronaldo, former Real Madrid teammates, lead the attacks.
Tactical differences on the field
Al-Nassr uses a 4-4-2, with Brozovic and Al-Khaibari in midfield, prioritizing quick transitions.
Iñigo Martínez strengthens the defense, while Yahya covers the left flank.
Al-Ittihad relies on possession, with Aouar distributing in midfield.
Danilo Pereira holds firm in defense, limiting opponents’ advances.
These tactical adjustments influence the flow, with Al-Nassr more direct.
The first half advances with no further goals up to 36 minutes, maintaining the tension.
