Saudi Pro League 2024-25: Cristiano Ronaldo helps Al Nassr edge past Al Fateh
Saudi Pro League 2024-25: Cristiano Ronaldo helps Al Nassr edge past Al Fateh
Cristiano Ronaldo powered Al Nassr to a 3-1 win against Al Khaleej in a Saudi Pro League fixture Al -Awwal Park in Riyadh on Sunday.
The Knights of Najd started the match with authority but failed to capitalise on their early attacking endeavour.
Al Nassr’s cause was helped by an own goal by Al Fateh defender Marwane Saadane in the 41st minute, which broke the deadlock and gave the home side the security to go to the break with a slender lead.
In the 57th minute, Mohamed Simakan made it two for Al Nassr from a set piece. A bullet header from Angelo’s delivery found its way to the top right corner.
Four minutes later, Al Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento misplayed a clearance, allowing Mourad Batna to score for Al Fateh. The Brazilian custodian had been largely untested until that point.
After missing several chances, Ronaldo finally scored his 14th league goal of the season in the 87th minute to put the game to bed. Sadio Mane with a brilliant ball from the left flank found the striker, who made no mistake this time from the edge of the six yard box.
In added time, Ronaldo unleashed an absolute rocket from an acute angle, seemingly sealing the victory. The ball thundered into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was controversially disallowed.
The win keeps Al Nassr at third in the standings, while Al Fateh remains bottom.
