First goals of 2025 from Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo gave Al-Nasr an unconvincing 3-1 win at home to Al-Ahdoud as both teams returned to action after the winter break in the Saudi Pro League.
Starting 13 points adrift of their opponents and two adrift of safety, the visitors took advantage of a disastrous defense to take a sixth-minute lead through Nigerian winger Xavier Godwin at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.
The first SIUUU of 2025 🐐#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/JKWcQvXJMM
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025
Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool striker Mane equalized in the 29th minute after Sultan Al-Ghanam’s header collided with the goal line, and Ronaldo beat Al-Nasr in front of the penalty spot 13 minutes later, after the Senegalese icon was fouled by Jamaican defender Damion Lowe. .
Mane met Al-Ghannam’s inviting cross from the right with a specialist header to seal victory two minutes from time in a second half in which the underdogs pushed for an equaliser.
The result ended Al-Nassr’s two-game losing streak in all competitions and lifted them to third place, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad and six behind Al-Hilal, both of whom have a game in hand .
Number 1️⃣ to 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ for CR7️⃣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/IKA1v0ZY4B
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025
Al-Nasr returns to winning ways
The win was very important for Al-Nassr after their 2-1 defeat at Al-Ittihad on December 6, but it was another uncomfortable night for one of the most dynamic clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Having finished a point above the relegation zone last season, there was arguably more to encourage their Najran-based opponents, who kept the game in the balance until Mane’s second.
He can score with his feet and he can score with his head too: Sadio Mane 🦁🇸🇳#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/ZNCzW70adj
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025
Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte was one of the players responsible for the opening goal and the Spain international was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch shortly after when he appeared to lunge at Godwin.
Two-time African Footballer of the Year Mane was sent off by the Assistant Referee’s video check and Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Paulo Vitor after he was sent off just before half-time.
That is 6⃣0⃣ goals in 6⃣0⃣ #RoshnSaudiLeague games for 🐐 pic.twitter.com/0rHT8yZX02
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025
Al-Nassr Program
With Al-Hilal away to 13th-placed Al-Orobah and Al-Ittihad visiting second-placed Al-Feiha on Saturday, the chances of Al-Nassr gaining ground in the top two this week are slim – but they don’t have the luxury to fall more. points if they are to have a late promotion chance for the title.
Mane’s first goals in eight club and international matches were welcome, as was Ronaldo’s fifth in four league games, taking him one behind Saudi Arabia’s top scorer, Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Al-Nassr are next in action on January 17 (5pm GMT) at Al-Taawoun, who are currently ninth after five wins and five losses from their opening 13 league matches.
