Sports Blog, Feb 21 – In a dramatic turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr faced a disappointing 2-3 defeat against Al Ettifaq on Friday, further denting their hopes of clinching the Saudi Pro League title. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by key injuries, a red card, and a heartbreaking late goal that left Al Nassr fans in disbelief.
The game took a toll on Al Nassr not just on the scoreboard but also on the field. Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte was forced off due to an injury, while Colombian midfielder Jhon Durán was shown a straight red card, leaving the team shorthanded for a significant portion of the match. Despite their efforts, Al Nassr conceded a decisive goal in the 89th minute, shattering their chances of salvaging a draw.
With this loss, Al Nassr slipped to fourth place in the league standings, now sitting on 44 points. The top of the table remains fiercely contested, with Al Qadisiya, led by Spaniard Nacho Fernández, claiming third place with 47 points. Al Hilal holds second place with 48 points, while Al Ittihad, spearheaded by French star Karim Benzema, continues to lead the pack with 52 points. Both Al Hilal and Al Ittihad have a game in hand, further complicating Al Nassr’s path to the top.
The first half of the match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams showcasing equal intensity and creating clear chances. Goalkeepers Bento Krepski of Al Nassr and Marek Rodák of Al Ettifaq stood out with crucial saves, keeping the scoreline level heading into the break.
The second half, however, was a different story. Al Nassr struck first in the 47th minute through Saudi forward Ayman Yahya, but their lead was short-lived. Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum equalized for Al Ettifaq just eight minutes later, setting the stage for a thrilling back-and-forth battle.
Al Nassr responded quickly, with Mohammed Al-Fatil heading home a corner in the 65th minute to restore their lead. However, Al-Fatil’s joy turned to despair in the 82nd minute when he accidentally scored an own goal while attempting a clearance, leveling the score at 2-2.
Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Wijnaldum struck again in the dying moments, delivering a perfectly placed shot into the far post to seal a 3-2 victory for Al Ettifaq. The goal was a crushing blow for Al Nassr, who now find themselves further adrift in the title race.
