Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goals of 2025 gave Al-Nassr an unconvincing 3-1 comeback win at home against Al-Akhdoud as both teams returned to action after the winter break in the Saudi Pro League.
The visitors were 13 points behind their opponents and two points clear of safety and took advantage of disastrous defense to take a sixth-minute lead through Nigerian winger Savior Godwin at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.
Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool striker Mane equalized in the 29th minute after Sultan Al-Ghannam had taken the lead with a header, and Ronaldo put Al-Nassr ahead from the penalty spot 13 minutes later after Senegal’s Icon had been fouled by Jamaica defender Damion Lowe.
The first SIUUU of 2025 🐐#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/JKWcQvXJMM
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025
Mane met Al-Ghannam’s inviting cross from the right with a deft header and sealed the victory two minutes from the end of the second half, which saw the underdogs push for an equaliser.
The result ended Al-Nassr’s run of two straight defeats in all competitions and moved them up to third place, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad and six points behind Al-Hilal, both of which still have a game in hand.
Al-Nassr returns to winning ways
The victory was of utmost importance for Al-Nassr after their 2-1 defeat at Al-Ittihad on December 6, but this was another unpleasant evening for one of the best equipped clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Having finished one point above the relegation zone last season, there was arguably even more reason for encouragement for their Najran opponents, who kept the competition in balance until Mane’s second goal.
Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte was one of the players responsible for the opening goal and the Spain international was perhaps lucky to remain on the pitch shortly afterwards as he appeared to punch Godwin.
Two-time African Footballer of the Year Mane’s goal was ruled out by video referee control and Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Paulo Vitor just before half-time after breaking through.
More to follow
