Ronaldo was not on Al Nassr's squad list for this match, as Portuguese media had reported. The Portuguese forward was reportedly displeased with the management of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), claiming Al Nassr did not receive comparable investment and preferential treatment compared to direct competitors. Against Al Riyadh, Al Nassr was without Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, and Marcelo Brozovic. However, the visiting team still secured three points thanks to two other European-seasoned stars: Joao Felix and Sadio Mane.

Sadio Mane celebrates a goal with Joao Felix during Al Nassr's 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh in Saudi Pro League round 19 on 2/2. Photo: Al Nassr

In the 40th minute, Felix threaded a pass for Mane, who broke the offside trap, raced down, and volleyed into the near corner past goalkeeper Milan Borjan. Al Nassr dominated the match, controlling possession 67% and taking 10 shots with 3 on target, compared to Al Riyadh's 7 shots and one on target. Coach Jorge Jesus's team could have won by a larger margin if they had been more clinical.

In the 18th minute, from a corner kick, Mane attempted an overhead kick that went just wide of the post. In the 80th minute, Felix nearly secured a second assist when his cross allowed Al Ghannam to head the ball against Al Riyadh's woodwork. Al Riyadh also had reasons for regret, as they had the ball in Al Nassr's net two times from shots by Okou in the 39th minute and Toze in the 82nd minute, but both were disallowed for offside. In the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, Felix again assisted the Senegalese forward, who broke free and struck a diagonal shot into the net. However, the goal was disallowed for offside.

The joy doubled for Al Nassr when, in a later match, league leaders Al Hilal were held to a 0-0 draw by Al Ahli at home. These results allowed Al Nassr to close the gap with Al Hilal to one point, reigniting their title hopes. In the next round, Al Hilal will visit Al Akhdoud, while Al Nassr will face Al Ittihad, a club boasting stars like Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar, N'Golo Kante, and Fabinho. Ronaldo's potential return for this match remains unclear.

Hong Duy