Joao Felix On A High
It has been an exceptional debut for Joao Felix. The young Portuguese has been the player for Al-Nassr all season. He has been scoring aplenty, and if not scoring, has been making some incredible assists and creating terrific opportunities for his team.
Al-Nassr Dominate Early Through A Felix Brace
The match against Al-Shabab last evening was a must-win game, and within 10 minutes, Al-Nassr were leading by two goals. Both scored brilliantly by Joao Felix from Sadio Mane’s assists. The first one was a cool finish with his right foot in front of the goal, and the other was a terrific header from an acute angle, which sailed into the net. Al-Nassr had made a statement and conveyed their intent to the rest of the competition.
But Al-Shabab Hit Back
The one thing, however, that has troubled Al-Nassr has been their defence, and once again the problem resurfaced, which allowed Al-Shabab back into the game. The Knights lost the ball in midfield and Yannick Carrasco did not let the opportunity go, with a superb finish to cut down the lead by half.
Al-Nassr’s Vulnerable Defence Gets Under Pressure
In the second half, Al-Shabab began to grow in confidence and had it not been for a few Bento saves and the crossbar, Al-Nassr might well have been trailing. The defence is yet again showing signs of crumbling under pressure.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100th RSL Goal Gives Al-Nassr The Advantage
It was Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100th goal in the Roshn Saudi League, which gave Al-Nassr some respite. A good run from Sadio Mane, a perfect cross to a waiting Ronaldo in the centre, and a cool finish from the legend made it 3-1 in the 75th minute.
Al-Shabab Strike Again, but Felix Rescues Al-Nassr With A Hat Trick
Al-Shabab continued to put pressure on the Al-Nassr defence and scored five minutes later to make it 3-2 as a nervous-looking Al-Nassr tried to hang on to the lead. Ronaldo missed an easy chance, but then Al-Nassr earned a penalty in stoppage time. Joao Felix converted with ease to reach his hat trick of hat tricks for Al-Nassr this season.
Al-Nassr Survive To Lock Horns With Al-Hilal On Tuesday
Al-Nassr eventually prevailed 4-2 and earned the crucial three points to maintain some daylight between them and Al-Hilal. However, the fate of the title race depends on the Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal contest on the 12th of May.
The Knights Need To Sort Out Their Defence- It Looks Jittery
The Knights of Najd need to strengthen their defence as they look vulnerable at the back, and Al-Hilal have the quality to make good use of this vulnerability. Jorge Jesus must be concerned about the same and would be pushing his players for one final act of bravado next Tuesday. What a big game it is going to be.
Kudos To Ronaldo For His 100th Goal
Kudos to Ronaldo for scoring his 100th goal in the RSL, which speaks volumes of the great man’s skill, calibre and tenacity even after crossing 40.
A Word of Praise For Sadio Mané Too
A word for Sadio Mane, too. The Senegalese great has been a silent contributor. Always under the radar, he has been as good as anyone in the Saudi League. What a player.
Al-Hilal In Action Tonight in King Cup of Champions Finale
Al-Hilal will be seen in action tonight as the Blue Waves take on Al-Kholood in the Final of the King Cup of Champions.
But The Big One Is Coming Next Tuesday Night
The big one, however, is coming up from the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Tuesday night. Can Al-Nassr win it is the biggest question.
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