Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the star of the show as Al Nassr edged Al Ahli 4-3 in a thrilling Saudi Pro League clash on Friday. The Portuguese superstar scored twice to help his side to victory, despite a spirited comeback from their opponents.
Al Nassr took the lead early on, with Ronaldo opening the scoring in the fourth minute. The Portuguese forward was played through on goal by Sadio Mane, and he finished coolly to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Al Ahli equalized in the 25th minute through Franck Kessie, but Ronaldo restored Al Nassr’s lead just seven minutes later. The Portuguese forward received a pass from Anderson Talisca on the edge of the penalty area, and he turned and finished with his left foot.
Al Ahli made it 2-2 in the 50th minute through Riyad Mahrez, who converted a penalty after Talisca had been fouled in the box. However, Ronaldo put Al Nassr back in front just two minutes later, completing his brace with another clinical finish.
Al Ahli pulled a goal back in the 87th minute through Feras Al-Brikan, but it was too little too late. Al Nassr held on to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory.
Al Nassr Team Analysis
Al Nassr started the game brightly and took the lead early on through Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward was a constant threat throughout the game, and he finished both of his goals with aplomb.
Sadio Mane was also in good form for Al Nassr. The Senegalese forward provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s opening goal, and he was a constant menace to the Al Ahli defense.
Anderson Talisca was another key player for Al Nassr. The Brazilian midfielder caused the Al Ahli defense all sorts of problems with his creativity and passing.
Al Nassr’s defense was not without its flaws, however. Al Ahli equalized on three occasions, and they could have easily scored more goals. However, Al Nassr’s goalkeeper, David Ospina, made a number of good saves to keep his side in the game.
Overall, Al Nassr was a worthy winner of this thrilling game. Ronaldo was the star of the show, but they also had good performances from Mane, Talisca, and Ospina.
Also read: Al Raed vs Al Nassr: Ronaldo vs Mane in the Saudi Pro League
Al Ahli Team Analysis
Al Ahli started the game slowly and conceded an early goal to Ronaldo. However, they fought back well and equalized through Franck Kessie in the 25th minute.
Al Ahli continued to press for an equalizer in the second half, and they were rewarded for their efforts when Mahrez converted a penalty in the 50th minute. However, Ronaldo put Al Nassr back in front just two minutes later, and Al Ahli was unable to find another equalizer.
Al Ahli’s defense was also not without its flaws. Cristiano Ronaldo was given too much space on both of his goals and Al Ahli’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, could have done better on at least one of them.
Overall, Al Ahli was disappointed to lose this game. They fought back well on several occasions, but they were unable to keep Ronaldo quiet. They will need to improve their defensive performance if they are to challenge for the title this season.
Conclusion
This was a thrilling game of football, with both teams playing attacking football. Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show, but there were also good performances from Mane, Talisca, Mahrez, and Kessie.
Al Nassr were worthy winners of this game, and they will be hoping to build on this momentum in the coming weeks. Al Ahli will need to improve their defensive performance if they are to challenge for the title this season.
