Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and Kingsley Coman experienced an unlucky day in Al Nassr's attack. They took 19 shots, nearly 10 times more than their opponents, but failed to score any goals. Shots often went wide, hit the crossbar, or were disallowed after finding the net.
Ronaldo missed a clear opportunity in the second minute. The Al Nassr captain surged into the penalty area to meet a high pass from Simakan, striking a volley that hit the crossbar. The 41-year-old forward's goal tally for the season remained at 16.
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Ronaldo and his teammates celebrated an own goal in Al Nassr's 1-0 victory over Al Taawoun in round 17 of the Saudi Pro League on 26/1. Photo: Al Nassr
Simakan also faced misfortune. After heading a free-kick from Ronaldo in the third minute, the French defender was ruled offside, and the goal was disallowed. Mid-first half, an offside call again cost Al Nassr, this time involving Ronaldo. Earlier, CR7 had put the ball in the net after Coman's shot deflected off an opponent.
In the first leg, Al Nassr had won 5-0 on Al Taawoun's home ground. However, in this match, coach Pericles Chamusca's team deployed a five-man defense and defended more effectively.
It was not until the 45th minute that Al Nassr found a gap to take the lead. After Mane dribbled down the left wing and curled a shot into the six-yard box, Mohammed Al Dossari, in an attempt to prevent Marcelo Brozovic from scoring, deflected the ball into his own net.
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Mane (left) contributed to Al Nassr's 1-0 victory over Al Taawoun in round 17 of the Saudi Pro League on 26/1. Photo: Al Nassr
Al Nassr maintained significant dominance after halftime. However, they only managed one more chance, with Mane's shot hitting the post in the 58th minute. For the remainder of the match, Al Taawoun's defense controlled the situation well and suffered only a narrow defeat.
Al Nassr earned 40 points after 17 matches, narrowing the gap with league leaders Al Hilal to 5 points. Earlier, Al Hilal unexpectedly lost their winning streak with a 1-1 draw against Al Riyadh. Third-placed Al Ahli also has 40 points but trails Al Nassr on goal difference.
Thanh Quy
