In a charged atmosphere at Mrsool Park, Al Nassr showcased resilience and tactical poise to edge past Al Ittihad 2-0 in Round 21 of the Saudi Pro League 2025/26 season. This victory inches them just one point behind the table leaders, Al Hilal, intensifying the title race and captivating football fans worldwide.
The build-up to the match buzzed not only with championship implications but with off-field drama. Cristiano Ronaldo remained notably absent for the second consecutive game, stemming from his protest against Al Hilal's blockbuster signing of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad. The Portuguese star voiced his discontent, claiming, “Al Nassr does not receive proportional investment, even though both clubs are backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).” Currently, PIF holds a 75% stake in four top teams—Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad—with the remaining 25% held by Saudi royals. Ronaldo’s stance adds a layer of intrigue to the rivalry at the very summit of Saudi football.
Depth shines through: Mane, Felix, and Brozovic step up
Despite the shadow cast by Ronaldo’s absence, Al Nassr’s depth took center stage. With seasoned international stars like Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, and Marcelo Brozovic in the lineup, the team exuded authority from the opening whistle. Al Nassr kept Al Ittihad, currently hovering mid-table, mostly on the back foot, controlling 53% of possession and firing off 18 shots to their opponent’s 5. Of these, the home side seriously threatened with 7 on target, while Al Ittihad managed just one.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. Mane had two golden opportunities but missed after breaking free, while Felix’s connection from a Brozovic cross sailed frustratingly wide. The yellow-clad players pressed relentlessly, embodying a never-give-up spirit that electrified the home crowd.
Breaking the deadlock: late goals define the night
For much of the evening, it seemed fate would deny Al Nassr. However, in the 82nd minute, their persistence finally paid off. Ayman Yahya’s volley struck the arm of an Al Ittihad defender, awarding Al Nassr a crucial penalty. Mane, undeterred by previous misses, drove a confident shot past the goalkeeper, sending the stadium into jubilation.
Al Ittihad, compelled to chase an equalizer, advanced with greater urgency. This, however, left them vulnerable. Deep into stoppage time (90+6’), Brazilian midfielder Angelo Gabriel showcased composure and flair, embarking on a surging run and slotting the ball between the visiting goalkeeper’s legs. Celebrating with Ronaldo’s iconic “Siu” gesture, Gabriel honored his absent teammate while underlining Al Nassr’s star power extends beyond just one man.
Race heats up: table standings and scoring charts tighten
The significance of this match reverberates beyond three points. Al Nassr now holds 49 points, sandwiched tightly between league leaders Al Hilal (50 points) and third-placed Al Ahli (47 points), with everything still to play for as the season heads into its critical phase. Al Ittihad, meanwhile, continue a frustrating campaign, clinging to 7th with 34 points.
Ronaldo, absent for two straight games, has slipped to second in the golden boot race with 17 goals, tied with Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiah, while Ivan Toney of Al Ahli leads with 19. The top scorer’s chase only promises more plot twists as big stars vie for individual and team glory.