Al Nassr 4-3 Al Ahli: A Thrilling Encounter Between Two Saudi Giants
The King Fahd International Stadium was packed to the rafters on Friday night as Al Nassr hosted Al Ahli in a highly anticipated Saudi Pro League clash. The two teams are two of the biggest in the country, and they have a long and storied rivalry.
Al Nassr were the better side in the first half, and they took a deserved 3-1 lead at the break. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a low left-footed shot, and then added his second goal early in the second half after being found by Sadio Mane.
Al Ahli pulled a goal back through Omar Al Somah in the 55th minute, but Franck Kessie restored Al Nassr’s two-goal advantage just two minutes later.
Riyad Mahrez made it 4-1 from the penalty spot in the 65th minute, but Al Ahli refused to give up and scored two goals in quick succession through Luis Alberto and Feras Al-Brikan to make it a nervy finish. However, Al Nassr held on for a valuable three points.
Analysis of key moments
- Ronaldo’s first goal was a well-taken finish after he was found by Mane in the box. The Portuguese superstar showed great composure to control the ball and finish past the Al Ahli goalkeeper.
- Kessie’s goal was a powerful header from a corner. The Ivorian midfielder rose above the Al Ahli defense to meet the ball with his head and send it into the back of the net.
- Mahrez’s penalty was coolly converted after he was fouled in the box. The Algerian winger showed great confidence to step up and take the penalty, and he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
- Al Somah’s goal was a poacher’s finish. The Syrian striker was in the right place at the right time to tap home a rebound from a saved shot.
- Alberto’s goal was a stunning free-kick. The Spanish midfielder curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner of the net.
- Al-Brikan’s goal was a well-taken volley. The Saudi Arabian winger received a cross from the right and volleyed it past the goalkeeper.
Ronaldo’s brilliance for Al Nassr
Ronaldo was once again the star of the show for Al Nassr. He scored two important goals and was a constant threat to the Al Ahli defense.
Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr has caused a huge stir in Saudi Arabia, and he has already had a major impact on the team. He has scored nine goals in his last five league matches, and his goals have helped Al Nassr climb up the table.
Al Ahli is comeback
Al Ahli showed great character to come back from three goals down in the second half. They scored two goals in quick succession through Alberto and Al-Brikan to make it a nervy finish. However, Al Nassr held on for a valuable three points.
A thrilling encounter
This was a thrilling encounter between two of the biggest clubs in Saudi Arabia Al Nassr and Al Ahli . Al Nassr deserved to win in the end, but Al Ahli showed great character to come back from three goals down.
Conclusion
The match was a fitting showcase for the Saudi Pro League, which is becoming increasingly attractive to top players from around the world. With Ronaldo and Mane now playing in the league, the Saudi Pro League is one of the most exciting leagues in the world to watch.