Al-Nassr’s, despite the absence of their top player Cristiano Ronaldo, got off to a strong start in their match at Al-Awwal Stadium. Although they failed to turn early opportunities into goals, the team appeared committed to maintaining their successful competitive campaign. When Anderson Talisca found himself clear on goal in the 17th minute, he had a fantastic chance to put Al-Nassr ahead, but he struck the goalpost, leaving the crowd stunned. After Talisca’s beautiful cross, Sadio Mane missed a diving header from within the six-yard box moments later, failing to score either.
Al-Nassr surged forward and controlled possession, but Al-Sadd also had an opportunity to score. Cristo Gonzalez broke through when Marcelo Brozovic of Al-Nassr mishandled a ball, posing a threat to the goal. Bento, the goalkeeper for Al-Nassr, was fast to respond and produced a vital stop to keep the score tied by denying Al-Sadd the first goal.Al-Sadd gained confidence and started to establish himself in the game as the second half got underway. Al-Nassr progressively started to experience issues as a result of their rising pressure. The home team was caught off guard in the 55th minute, while continuing to push high up the field in an attempt to score an early goal.
minute. Akram Afif had only the goalkeeper to beat after Cristo Gonzalez’s brilliantly weighted long ball reached him. The visitors took a 1-0 lead as Afif simply slotted the ball past Bento.Al-Nassr was compelled to increase their offensive attempts after the goal. With time running down, coach Stefano Pioli made attacking substitutes right away in an effort to change the outcome of the game. When Wesley’s risky cross found its way into the box in the 80th minute, his ambitious strategy paid off. Romain Saiss, a former Wolves defender, accidentally put the ball into his own net while under pressure, tying the score at one. The game resumed after Al-Nassr secured an equalizer.
But in the end, Al-Nassr’s choice to press forward in pursuit of a winning goal proved to be their downfall. Mohammed Al-Fatil committed a crucial error in the last seconds of injury time as the game was coming to an end. Al-Fatil took down Adam Ounas of Al-Sadd inside the penalty area in an effort to halt a counterattack. Al-Sadd was given a penalty when the referee pointed to the spot right away. After Al-Nassr’s late onslaught, Ounas, who remained collected under pressure, calmly converted the penalty to give Al-Sadd a 2-1 victory.
Did You Know Al-Nassr’s team ?
Despite not being in the lineup for the game, Cristiano Ronaldo came there to cheer on his team from the stands. Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, was beside him.He was there to cheer on his team from the stands. Ronaldo and his mother, Dolores Aveiro, were seen together in the VIP box as they watched their team’s attempt to win. The Portuguese legend’s presence was undoubtedly a lift to his colleagues, who would have hoped to maintain their impressive performances in his absence.
MVP;Aymeric Laporte was without a doubt Al-Nassr’s best player, even in spite of the defeat. At the center of the defense, the former Manchester City player led his squad and made sure they remained together throughout the game. Al-Nassr’s passing game was led by Laporte, who completed an amazing 96% of his throws.comprising a total of 105 passes, which is a match-high. Al-Nassr was able to build from the back because to his vision and poise on the ball. He also supplied eight long balls to start assaults. Additionally, he was not dribbled past during the game, demonstrating his skill on defense.
The Big Loser: In the end, Stefano Pioli’s choice to rotate and exclude Ronaldo from the squad backfired. The club got plenty of opportunities, but they had trouble converting them. Al-Nassr did not have the clinical advantage that Ronaldo’s presence may have given, even though he created opportunities. Although it may have been an effort to control his workload, the coach’s choice to keep his best player off the team cost the team chances because they were unable to find the finishing touch to win
What Comes Next?
When Al-Nassr takes on Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad on Friday, December 6, they will be hoping to recover swiftly. Ronaldo is anticipated to make a comeback to the starting lineup for this pivotal match, and Al-Nassr will try to reduce the eight points separating them from the top of the league. As they continue to aim for the league crown, the next game will be crucial.
THE BIG LOSER