Ronaldo’s Goal Not Enough to Secure Victory for Al Nassr in 2-2 Draw Against Al Shabab

In a thrilling encounter at the King Saud University Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal was not enough to secure a victory for Al Nassr as they drew 2-2 with Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

The match, held on March 7, 2025, saw Al Nassr come from behind to take the lead, only to be pegged back by a resilient Al Shabab side.

The game started brightly for Al Nassr, with the home side dominating possession and creating several chances. However, it was Al Shabab who struck first, taking the lead in the 44th minute through a penalty by Abderrazzaq Hamed-Allah. The penalty was awarded after Daniel Podence was fouled by Nayef Bu Washi in the box.

Al Nassr responded swiftly, with Ronaldo playing a pivotal role. In the 11 minutes of injury time at the end of the first half, Ronaldo saw an effort cleared off the line before Aiman Yahya turned in the equalizer. Just five minutes later, Ronaldo completed the turnaround with a powerful strike into the roof of the net, marking his 926th career goal.

However, the second half saw a dramatic turn of events. Mohammed Al Fatil was shown a straight red card in the 52nd minute for denying Podence a clear goalscoring opportunity. This left Al Nassr with ten men, and Al Shabab capitalized on their numerical advantage. Mohammed Al Shwirekh headed in the equalizer in the 67th minute, ensuring that the points were shared.

Despite Ronaldo’s heroics, Al Nassr missed the chance to close the gap to the top three in the league standings. They remain in fourth place, struggling to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite. The team’s defensive frailties were once again exposed, with Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Al Hassan failing to provide the necessary stability in midfield.

Ronaldo’s goal, his 18th in the Saudi Pro League this season, further solidified his position as the league’s top scorer. However, Al Nassr’s inability to build a competitive team around him has left them trailing behind their rivals, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad.

As the season nears its final stretch, Al Nassr must address their defensive issues and find a way to support their star player if they hope to secure a top-three finish and a place in Asia’s elite club competition.

Related Posts

Australia deny Lions series whitewash after lightning delay

Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen, Tate McDermott score tries in torrential rain as Australia beat the Lions to stop historic series whitewash; Jac Morgan and Will Stuart scored for tourists who…

Read more

The EFL returns! Cardiff vs Peterborough LIVE! & highlights

FTFull Time AETAfter Extra Time LIVEThis is a live match. ETExtra Time HTHalf Time Cardiff City vs Peterborough United. Sky Bet League One. 12:30pm, Saturday 2nd August 2025. Cardiff City…

Read more

Australia vs British and Irish Lions LIVE! Lions target series whitewash

Live score, team news, text commentary, video highlights and analysis from Accor Stadium where the British and Irish Lions face Australia in the third Test; watch live on Sky Sports…

Read more

Raducanu suffers heavy defeat to Wimbledon finalist Anisimova in Montreal

Emma Raducanu was dumped out of the National Bank Open in Montreal as she was beaten 6-2-6-1 by American fifth seed Amanda Anisimova. Raducanu had won both of their previous…

Read more

MLB roundup: Down 9-0 in first, Rockies shock Pirates 17-16

Aug 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Rockies celebrate center fielder Brenton Doyle (9) (center) two run walk off home run in the ninth inning against the…

Read more

J.P. Crawford walk-off homer lifts Mariners past Rangers

Aug 1, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) hits a walk two-run home run off Texas Rangers pitcher Robert Garcia (62) at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit:…

Read more

Leave a Reply