In a dominant performance on September 20, 2024, Al Nassr triumphed 3-0 over Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge. This win marked a significant moment for Al Nassr as it was the first victory under new manager Stefano Pioli, who had recently taken over the reins.
First Half: Ronaldo's Penalty Seals the Lead
The first half of the match was relatively balanced, with both teams creating opportunities but neither side fully dominating. However, a crucial moment came just after the half-hour mark when Sultan Al-Ghannam was fouled inside the box. The referee awarded Al Nassr a penalty, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the team’s talisman, confidently stepped up to the spot. With a calm and powerful strike, Ronaldo sent the ball past Al Ettifaq's goalkeeper Marek Rodák, putting Al Nassr ahead 1-0.
Despite Al Ettifaq’s efforts to respond, they struggled to break through Al Nassr’s organized defense. By the halftime whistle, the score remained 1-0, but Al Nassr’s superiority was beginning to show(
)().Second Half: Al Nassr’s Dominance
The second half started with a bang for Al Nassr. In the 56th minute, Salem Al-Najdi extended the lead with a brilliant chipped goal from a tight angle. This stunning finish caught Al Ettifaq’s defense off guard and put Al Nassr firmly in control of the match(
)().Al Ettifaq, unbeaten in their previous matches, found it difficult to mount a comeback. Their attack lacked precision and creativity, generating only a few shots on target throughout the game. Their total of six shots, with only two on target, paled in comparison to Al Nassr’s offensive efforts(
).In the 70th minute, Brazilian midfielder Talisca added the third goal. Sadio Mané, who was instrumental throughout the game, provided the assist, setting Talisca up for a powerful low drive past Rodák. This sealed the 3-0 victory for Al Nassr(
).Ronaldo’s Impact and Al Nassr’s Tactical Brilliance
Ronaldo not only opened the scoring but was a constant threat throughout the game. His leadership on the field was evident as he orchestrated several key plays. He came close to adding a second goal late in the match, but his long-range shot hit the woodwork, denying him a brace(
).Under Stefano Pioli’s new management, Al Nassr showcased a more organized and pressing style of play. Pioli’s tactics emphasized high-pressure and ball control, which allowed Al Nassr to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Sadio Mané was particularly influential, creating four chances and delivering crucial passes into the final third, including his assist for Talisca’s goal(
)(Al Ettifaq’s Struggles
Al Ettifaq entered the match with an unbeaten record, but they struggled to match Al Nassr’s pace and technical ability. Their defense was frequently tested by Al Nassr’s relentless attacks, and they were unable to build any sustained momentum. Attempts from players like Vitinho and Toko Ekambi were either saved by Al Nassr’s goalkeeper Bento or went wide of the target(
).Midfielder Ibrahima Fofana and forward Vitinho tried to rally Al Ettifaq, but their efforts were insufficient against Al Nassr’s solid backline. Fofana was cautioned after a late challenge on Otávio, which reflected the frustrations building within the Al Ettifaq squad as the game progressed(
).Conclusion: A Convincing Win for Al Nassr
The 3-0 win was a significant statement by Al Nassr, as they picked up only their second victory of the Saudi Pro League season. Stefano Pioli's tactical changes seem to be paying off, and the contributions from star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Talisca are ensuring Al Nassr remains a formidable force in the league(
)().For Al Ettifaq, this defeat highlighted weaknesses in their defensive structure and inability to handle high-pressure situations against top-tier opponents. Moving forward, they will need to regroup and refine their strategies if they wish to maintain their competitive edge in the Saudi Pro League.
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