With key players like Marcelo Brozovic and Cristiano Ronaldo rested by manager Stefano Pioli, Al-Nassr faced a difficult task in their 3-3 draw with Al-Kholood. With Al-Nassr’s defense looking exposed, the game swiftly took a stressful turn when Myziane Maolida gave Al-Kholood the lead in the 12th minute.
Al-Nassr found it difficult to keep possession, but Aymeric Laporte quickly answered with a header from a corner. Al-Nassr momentarily took the lead thanks to a goal by Anderson Talisca, but Maolida equalized the score and revealed weaknesses in Al-Nassr’s defense.
Laporte’s Injury and Defensive Issues
The Al-Nassr team was stale in the second half and lacked Ronaldo’s energy and influence. Laporte’s injury exacerbated their issues and made their defense even weaker. With a deft play by Hammam Al Hammami, who set up Jackson Muleka for a close-range finish, Al-Kholood took the lead.