Al Nassr showcased their determination to win against Al Ahli to keep their Saudi Arabia title hopes alive but faced an early setback. Otavio suffered an injury and had to leave the pitch in the 22nd minute. Coach Pioli immediately brought on Ayman Yahya as a substitute.
Ronaldo Subbed Early, Al Nassr Still Secures Victory – Key MomentAl Nassr secured victory despite Ronaldo not scoring (Photo: ANFC).
Both teams played aggressively, but Al Nassr’s class made the difference. In the 32nd minute, substitute Yahya provided an assist for Jhon Duran to score the opening goal for Al Nassr, which remained the only goal of the first half.
Just two minutes into the second half, Al Nassr suffered a major blow when Simakan received a red card, leaving them with 10 men. Coach Stefano Pioli substituted Ronaldo to bolster the defense. Before leaving the pitch, the Portuguese superstar went to the sidelines to encourage his teammates.
Al Ahli increased the pressure and had a goal disallowed in the 51st minute after the referee reviewed VAR. The home team’s persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Ivan Toney equalized 1-1 for Al Ahli. However, in the 80th minute, “super sub” Yahya shone again, helping Al Nassr regain the lead at 2-1, making the match thrilling.
Newcomer Jhon Duran extended the lead to 3-1 in the 88th minute, completing his brace for Al Nassr. Al Ahli’s efforts allowed them to narrow the score to 2-3 in the 90+8th minute but ultimately left empty-handed at home.
With the 3-2 victory, Al Nassr reclaimed third place in the Saudi Pro League (44 points/20 matches), trailing league leaders Al Ittihad by 5 points, though Al Nassr has played one more game.
Lineups
Al Ahli: Mendy, Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Al Ammar, Kessie, Aljohani, Mahrez, Veiga, Galeno, Toney.
Goals: Toney (78′), Al Nabit (90’+8).
Al Nassr: Bento, Al Najdi, Laporte, Simakan, Al Ghanam, Mane, Al Khaibari, Brozovic, Otavio, Ronaldo, Duran.
Goals: Duran (32′, 88′), Yahya (80′).
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