First goals of 2025 from Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo earned Al-Nassr an unconvincing 3-1 comeback win at home to Al-Akhdoud as both sides returned to action after the winter break in the Saudi Pro League.
Starting 13 points behind their opponents and two without a safety, the visitors took advantage of disastrous defending to take the lead in the sixth minute 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’s header led to a crowd in the goal, and Ronaldo headed in Al-Nassr from the penalty spot 13 minutes later after the Senegal icon was fouled by Jamaican defender Damion Lowe. .
The first SIUUU in 2025 🐐#RoshnSaudi League pic.twitter.com/JKWcQvXJMM
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025
Mane met Al-Ghannam’s inviting cross from the right with an expert header to seal the win two minutes into a second half in which the underdogs were looking for an equaliser.
The result ended Al-Nassr’s two-match losing streak in all competitions and lifted them to third place, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad and six behind Al-Hilal, both of whom have a game in hand.
Al-Nassr returns to winning ways
The win was very important for Al-Nassr after a 2-1 loss at Al-Ittihad on December 6, but it was another embarrassing night for one of the richest clubs in Saudi Arabia.
After finishing a point above the relegation zone last season, there was undoubtedly more to cheer about for their Najran opponents, who kept the contest in the balance until Mane’s second.
Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte was one of the players at fault for the opening goal, and the Spain international was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch shortly afterwards when he appeared to bear down on Godwin.
Two-time African Footballer of the Year Mane had a goal ruled out by the assistant referee’s video review and Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Paulo Vitor after a goal kick just before half-time.
More to come
