Al-Nassr defeat Al-Hilal 3-1 in key Saudi Pro League encounter, powered by Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace
Al-Nassr secured a stunning 3-1 victory over Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal, with Cristiano Ronaldo delivering a standout performance by netting a brace. The win served to end Al-Hilal’s hopes of defending their league title, as they continue to trail leaders Al-Ittihad by a significant margin.
Al-Nassr defeat Al-Hilal 3-1 in key Saudi Pro League encounter.
Getty Images Sport
Getty Images Sport
Getty Images
Although Al-Nassr are not in contention for the title, their Friday night triumph against Al-Hilal was pivotal. With only 10 matchdays remaining, a win for Stefano Pioli’s men would effectively extinguish Al-Hilal’s title defense ambitions, leaving them trailing in the title race.
The match started with Al-Hilal applying early pressure, testing Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento, with two shots within the first five minutes. However, Al-Nassr soon regained control of the game, though they struggled to pose a serious threat to the Blue Waves' defense. The visitors endured a moment of concern when Cristiano Ronaldo sustained a shoulder injury after a fall. Despite the discomfort, the Portuguese forward soldiered on.
Al-Nassr’s first significant chance came from Jhon Duran, who failed to capitalize on a counter-attack opportunity, sending his shot over the bar. The game appeared to be heading into halftime in a deadlock, but a moment of brilliance from Ali Al-Hassan changed the game. The midfielder curled a stunning shot past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou following a short corner, giving Al-Nassr a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Al-Nassr extend their lead early, thanks to a sensational run by Sadio Mane through the midfield. Mane's precise pass found Ronaldo, who calmly slotted the ball past a stranded Bounou to double the visitors' advantage. Al-Hilal responded with a goal of their own, as Ali Albulayhi converted a header from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s cross, pulling them back into the match at 2-1.
Despite a surge in possession for Al-Hilal, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their hopes of an equalizer were dashed when Moteb Al-Harbi committed a handball inside the penalty area, giving Al-Nassr a penalty. Ronaldo stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick confidently, sealing a 3-1 victory for his side.
Player of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo
As expected, Ronaldo was the match-winner, scoring both of Al-Nassr’s second and third goals. While his overall performance wasn’t flashy, his clinical finishing and timely goals were crucial in securing the victory for Al-Nassr.
Key Disappointment: Aleksandar Mitrovic
Al-Hilal’s Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic had a forgettable night. Tasked with proving his superiority over Ronaldo, Mitrovic failed to make a significant impact on the game. He missed two clear chances in front of goal, leaving his side frustrated and unable to capitalize on Al-Nassr's vulnerabilities.
In the end, it was Ronaldo who stole the spotlight, guiding Al-Nassr to a vital win and further weakening Al-Hilal's hopes of defending their Saudi Pro League crown.
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