.png)
RIYADH – Al-Nassr reclaimed the top spot in the Saudi Pro League on Friday night, but the victory came at a cost, as Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and appeared to sustain an injury during a hard-fought 4-2 comeback win against Al-Fayha. The result keeps Al-Nassr firmly in the title race, but raises questions about Ronaldo’s fitness as the season progresses.
The match began poorly for the visitors, with Ronaldo failing to convert a penalty in the eighth minute after a controversial decision awarded Al-Nassr a spot-kick. Al-Fayha protested the call, arguing minimal contact between Mohamed Simakan and Mikel Villanueva, but the penalty stood. Ronaldo sent his attempt wide of the left post, a miss that visibly frustrated the Portuguese superstar. The early setback seemed to unsettle Al-Nassr, and Al-Fayha took the lead just before halftime when Abdulelah Al-Amri turned a low cross from Rakan Kaabi past his own goalkeeper, Bento.
Ronaldo’s Injury Scare Adds to Al-Nassr’s Concerns
Adding to the drama, Ronaldo appeared to pick up a knock during the match, though details remain scarce. While he continued to play, his movement appeared restricted at times, and he was substituted later in the game. The extent of any injury is currently unknown, but it’s a worrying sign for Al-Nassr, who rely heavily on their captain’s goals and leadership. The team will be hoping any issue is minor, as they face a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks.
Coman and Mané Spark the Comeback
Despite the early setback and Ronaldo’s apparent discomfort, Al-Nassr rallied in the second half. The comeback began with Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mané breaking the deadlock, with Sultan Al-Ghannam providing the assist for Coman’s goal. The Senegalese forward tapped in at the back post, leveling the score and injecting renewed energy into the Al-Nassr attack.
Late Drama Seals the Victory
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute, a goal that was as fortunate as it was crucial. A corner kick found its way to Joao Felix, whose powerful shot struck the upright and ricocheted off the stricken goalkeeper, Orlando Mosquera, and into the net. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Al-Nassr players and supporters. Abdullah Al-Hamdan then added a fourth goal to seal the victory and return Al-Nassr to the summit of the Saudi Pro League.
Smalling Leads Resilient Al-Fayha Defense
Despite the eventual defeat, Al-Fayha put up a strong fight, particularly in the first half. Their defense, marshaled by veteran Chris Smalling, frustrated Al-Nassr for much of the evening, holding firm against wave after wave of attacks. However, the relentless pressure from Al-Nassr ultimately proved too much to withstand. Smalling’s experience and leadership were evident throughout the match, but even his efforts couldn’t prevent the late collapse.
Brozovic Escapes Disciplinary Action
Earlier in the match, Al-Nassr were fortunate to avoid a red card when Marcelo Brozovic escaped punishment for what appeared to be a headbutt. The incident occurred in the 24th minute, but the referee opted not to issue a card, a decision that drew criticism from Al-Fayha players and fans.
Al-Nassr’s victory puts them back on top of the Saudi Pro League, but the performance highlighted both their resilience and their vulnerabilities. The injury to Ronaldo, if serious, could prove a significant blow to their title aspirations. The team will need to assess his condition and adjust their strategy accordingly. Al-Ahli, currently trailing closely behind, will be looking to capitalize on any slip-ups from their rivals. The battle for the Saudi Pro League title is shaping up to be a thrilling contest.
Al-Nassr will next face Al-Ettifaq on March 7th, a match that will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Updates on Ronaldo’s condition are expected in the coming days.
What did you think of Al-Nassr’s comeback victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans.
Keep reading
