Sadio Mane Shines as Al-Nassr Edges Al-Riyadh 1-0, While Ronaldo Shows Frustration

Cristiano Ronaldo’s annoyance was apparent throughout the game, but Sadio Mane was the hero for Al-Nassr in their close 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh.

After Al-Hilal had increased their lead over them earlier in the day, Al-Nassr went into the game in need of a victory. With two crucial saves in the first fifteen minutes, Ronaldo kept goalkeeper Milan Borjan busy and caused problems for the Al-Riyadh defense as the side got off to a solid start.

Al-Nassr didn’t get the breakthrough until the 41st minute, despite the early pressure. Abdulrahman Ghareeb sent a low cross to the back post after Otavio’s accurate through pass. Al-Nassr took the lead as Mane, who was heavily marked, got to the ball first and tucked it past Borjan. Moments later, Mane nearly doubled his total, but Borjan stopped him in a one-on-one match.

Ronaldo’s frustration and the second half’s comeback

Al-Riyadh emerged with greater offensive intent in the second half, applying pressure to Al-Nassr’s right flank, where Bernard Mensah kept challenging Sultan Al-Ghannam. Ali Lajami’s vital goal-line clearance kept Al-Riyadh from tying the score.

Otavio and Marcelo Brozovic helped Al-Nassr regain some midfield control as the game went on, but the game-winning ball remained elusive. Ronaldo, who was obviously unhappy, ran behind the defense multiple times but was never given the high-quality service he required. As he sank deeper to get more involved in the play, his aggravation increased, but teammate Talisca’s bad finishing kept the score at 1-0.