Sulking Al Nassr Make A Strong Comeback
The last couple of weeks have been tough for Al Nassr, the Cristiano Ronaldo-led club from Riyadh. Against expectations, Al Nassr lost to Kawasaki Frontale in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, and then their loss to Al Ittihad, pushing them out of the title race in the Saudi Pro League, would have broken many a heart. A strong return was needed from two demoralising losses, and the Al Alami did more than that.
Pioli Rests Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane Takes Over The Mantle
Stefano Pioli, Al Nassr’s Manager, bravely decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for the game. The 40-year-old had been playing nonstop and required recovery from playing fatigue. The move might have raised many eyebrows with the Riyadh-based Club in a precarious position vis-à-vis AFC Champions League qualification for the next season, but Sadio Mane took over the mantle splendidly from Ronaldo.
A Crucial Game For Al Akhdoud Gone Sour
The venue was the Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Najran, home to Al Akhdoud. For the hosts involved in a searing battle to escape relegation, the match was crucial, and they had to put in a good display and try and surprise Al Nassr. However, what transpired was a complete decimation, an annihilation of sorts.
Al Nassr Make it 4-0 At The Break
Ayman Yahya opened the scoring for Al Nassr in the 16th minute, and 4 minutes later, Jhon Duran doubled it with a fine strike. Brozovic added a third with a brilliant finish and Sadio Mane converted a penalty to give Al Nassr a 4-0 lead at the break. It was all over for Al Akhdoud as their drooping shoulders told the story. But what was about to come was even more painful for the hosts.
Paulo Vitor Gets A Red Card
At the start of the second half, Paulo Vitor, Al Akhdoud’s Brazilian goalkeeper, was red-carded for a terrible tackle on Jhon Duran. Vitor already was having a terrible day, and the red card made it worse. A nervous-looking Rakan Najjar took over from Vitor, but nothing changed.
Sadio Mane Strikes 4 As Al Nassr Drill 9
Sadio Mane struck thrice in the second half to make it 4 goals for him in the match. Duran once again produced a sublime finish and in the final stages, Mohd Maran scored from the penalty spot to make it 9-0 for Al Nassr, their biggest victory in the Club’s history, eclipsing their 8-0 win against Abha Club last year.
Al Akhdoud Hit Hard
The battering received by Al Akhdoud not only shattered their confidence but also messed up their Goal Difference, having an adverse impact on their efforts to escape relegation.
Al Nassr Climb to 3rd But Need to Keep Winning
For Al Nassr, Al Ahli Saudi’s loss to Al Shabab helped them climb to third position from a precarious 5th and will be required to win all the remaining three games to ensure their place in the AFC Champions League next season.
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