Cristiano Ronaldo scored, and Joao Felix delivered a standout performance as Al-Nassr secured their fourth consecutive Saudi Pro League victory with a 3-0 win against Al-Kholood.
The result moves Jorge Jesus’ side to within three points of league leaders Al-Hilal, with the Portuguese duo of Ronaldo and Felix at the heart of the triumph. The 40-year-old Ronaldo opened the scoring from close range, before Mohamed Simakan headed in a Felix corner and Kingsley Coman converted a penalty to seal the comfortable win.
Al Nassr Cruise to Victory in Title Push
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Al-Nassr asserted their dominance from the kickoff at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium. Felix and Sadio Mane combined early on, but Mane’s header sailed wide within the first two minutes. Felix was again instrumental, receiving a ball over the top from Inigo Martinez, leading to a goal-bound shot from Ronaldo that was cleared off the line by 19-year-old Mansour Camara.
Ronaldo continued to threaten, missing a headed chance after mistiming his jump. Al-Kholood grew into the game as the first half progressed, but Al Nassr continued to create the better opportunities. Mane set up Felix for a header that narrowly missed the post, while Simakan’s powerful header was saved by Al-Kholood goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani.
The home side managed to reach halftime without conceding, thanks in part to a brilliant block from John Buckley, who bravely threw himself in front of a Ronaldo shot to deflect it over the crossbar. They also benefited from a close offside call, with a Mane goal disallowed due to Felix being marginally offside in the build-up.
Al-Nassr wasted little time after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, they took the lead was ruled out for offside.
Felix proved too much for the Al-Kholood defense to handle, showcasing his enjoyment with an audacious rabona attempt that forced a save from the goalkeeper just after the hour mark. It would have been a breathtaking way to cap off a dominant performance.
Disappointment for Al-Kholood
Al-Kholood were outclassed throughout the match, and the quality gap between the two sides was evident in their struggles to contain Ronaldo, Felix, and the Al-Nassr attack. The biggest loser on the night was captain Hatan Bahbri, whose frustration led to a needless elbow on Simakan in the 20th minute. The contact, though minimal, was a clear act of violent conduct that will result in a suspension, further impacting his side in the coming weeks.
