When Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t make the team sheet, the world watches — and the other stars step up. That’s exactly what happened as Al Nassr edged past Al Riyadh 1-0 in a fiercely contested Saudi Pro League 2025/26 clash, closing in on the league leaders and keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Ronaldo sidelined amid investment tensions
The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from Al Nassr’s lineup wasn’t just a tactical shift — it was a headline in itself. Rumors swirled before kickoff, fueled by reports from the Portuguese press, suggesting Ronaldo was disgruntled with the club’s backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The superstar reportedly believes that Al Nassr is receiving less investment and support compared to direct rivals. Such moments remind us how off-field dynamics can ripple on-field, shaping the destiny of entire seasons.
But Ronaldo wasn’t the only notable absentee. French winger Kingsley Coman and Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic were also missing, raising questions about Al Nassr’s squad depth. Yet, every setback whispers opportunity — and Joao Felix and Sadio Mane answered the call.
Joao Felix and Sadio Mane: the new dynamic duo
All eyes turned to the dynamic European duo. In the 40th minute, Joao Felix — known for his deft touch and flair — delivered a perfectly weighted chip that sliced through Al Riyadh’s offside trap. Sadio Mane, timing his run with surgical precision, thundered a volley past Milan Borjan at the near post, sending Al Nassr fans into euphoria. It was a move straight from the playbooks of Europe’s grandest stages, now electrifying the Saudi Pro League.
Drama and near-misses kept the night buzzing. In the 18th minute, Mane’s acrobatic scissor kick, sparked by a corner, missed the target by mere inches. As the clock ticked down, Felix nearly provided his second assist: a curling cross met by Al Ghannam’s powerful header, rattling the Al Riyadh crossbar and hearts in the stadium.
In stoppage time, Felix again slipped Mane through for a tidy finish — only for the referee to rule it offside. Moments like these remind fans why football can be both beautiful and cruel.
Defenses hold but both sides rue missed chances
Control belonged to Al Nassr, who dominated possession with an imposing 67 percent, outshooting Al Riyadh 10-7, and landing three efforts on target compared to the hosts' lone attempt. Yet, the score remained tight until the final whistle, with both sides carving out talking points:
- Al Ghannam’s header denied by the woodwork in the 80th minute
- Al Riyadh’s Okou (39’) and Toze (82’) found the net, only to see celebrations cut short by the offside flag
Such margins define the game, and both camps will replay these moments in their minds.
Al Nassr had more reasons to celebrate as news filtered in from elsewhere: league leaders Al Hilal were held to a goalless draw by Al Ahli. With just one point now separating Al Hilal and Al Nassr as the race heads into the next round, hope flickers anew for Nassr faithful. The next few fixtures promise fire: Al Hilal will visit Al Akhdoud, while Al Nassr gear up for a blockbuster against Al Ittihad — featuring European luminaries like Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar, N'Golo Kante, and Fabinho.