Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad: Magic Ronaldo fails, Benzema passes 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad, In a heart-wrenching clash at Al-Awwal Park on May 7, 2025, Al-Nassr squandered a two-goal lead to suffer a 3-2 defeat against Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad. The match, a pivotal moment in the 2024-25 season, saw Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad as the focal point, with fans expecting a masterclass from the Portuguese icon. Instead, Ronaldo endured a torrid evening, failing to influence the game as Al-Nassr’s title aspirations took a significant blow. This article dives into the match details, player performances, tactical shifts, and the broader implications for Al-Nassr’s campaign, optimized for the keyword Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad.

Cristiano Ronaldo Struggles in Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad: Saudi Pro League Title Hopes Fade in Dramatic 3-2 Loss

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad encounter began with promise for the home side. Just three minutes in, Sadio Mane capitalized on a defensive error by Al-Ittihad’s Abdulelah Al-Amri, slotting past goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic to give Al-Nassr an early 1-0 lead. Mane’s relentless energy set the tone, and he nearly doubled the advantage midway through the first half with a curling effort that sailed just over the bar.

Before the break, Mane turned provider, delivering a precise pass to Ayman Yahya, who smashed the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead. Al-Nassr appeared in control, with the home crowd buzzing and Ronaldo expected to add to his 19 league goals. However, the second half told a different story, as Al-Ittihad mounted a ferocious comeback that exposed Al-Nassr’s vulnerabilities.

Al-Ittihad’s Second-Half Surge

Al-Ittihad emerged from the interval with renewed vigor, shifting the momentum within minutes. In the 48th minute, Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, rose above defenders to head in a pinpoint cross, halving the deficit. Three minutes later, N’Golo Kante unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, stunning the Al-Awwal Park faithful and leveling the score at 2-2.

The visitors dominated possession and pinned Al-Nassr deep in their half, with Benzema and Kante dictating play. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Houssem Aouar delivered the decisive blow in the 94th minute, his shot deflecting past goalkeeper Bento after an initial save. The 3-2 scoreline handed Al-Ittihad a crucial victory, extending their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to 71 points, while Al-Nassr, now fourth with 60 points, fell 11 points behind after 30 matches.

Tensions flared post-match, with Al-Ittihad’s Moussa Diaby receiving a red card for his role in a late scuffle, adding drama to an already intense encounter.

Player Performances: Mane Shines, Ronaldo Fades

Sadio Mane: The Standout Star (8/10)

Despite the loss, Sadio Mane was Al-Nassr’s heartbeat in the Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad clash. Scoring the opener and assisting Yahya’s goal, Mane’s pace, dribbling, and intelligent positioning troubled Al-Ittihad’s defense throughout. His near-miss for a second goal and constant threat earned him the match’s MVP honors. Had he converted a late chance, Mane might have salvaged a draw.

Cristiano Ronaldo: A Night to Forget (4/10)

Billed as a marquee matchup, the Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad narrative centered on CR7’s potential to deliver. Yet, Ronaldo was largely invisible, managing just one of six shots on target and losing possession 13 times. His long-range efforts were wayward, and he failed to create any meaningful chances, missing a big opportunity in the second half. Posts on X reflected fan frustration, with one user noting, “Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Al-Ittihad: 0 G/A, 1/6 shots on target, 0/4 dribbles, 1 big chance missed.”

Other Notable Performances

Ayman Yahya (7/10): Clinical in finishing Mane’s pass, Yahya added dynamism to Al-Nassr’s attack but faded after the break.
Karim Benzema (7.5/10): The Al-Ittihad striker’s goal sparked the comeback, showcasing his aerial prowess and composure.
N’Golo Kante (7.5/10): Kante’s equalizer and midfield dominance shifted the game’s momentum decisively.
Houssem Aouar (7/10): The match-winner’s late strike cemented Al-Ittihad’s victory, earning him plaudits.
Bento (6/10): Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper made key saves but couldn’t prevent the deflected winner.

Tactical Analysis: Al-Nassr’s Collapse

Al-Nassr’s first-half dominance stemmed from Stefano Pioli’s high-pressing system, with Mane and Yahya exploiting Al-Ittihad’s defensive lapses. However, the Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad match exposed tactical flaws in the second half. Al-Ittihad’s manager, Matthias Jaissle, adjusted to a more aggressive approach, utilizing Benzema’s movement and Kante’s energy to bypass Al-Nassr’s midfield.

Al-Nassr’s failure to adapt left them vulnerable to quick transitions. Aymeric Laporte and Mohamed Simakan struggled to contain Benzema, while Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Al-Hassan were overrun in midfield. Ronaldo’s lack of involvement further isolated the attack, as Al-Nassr funneled play through Mane without a secondary focal point. The late collapse underscored a lack of game management, a recurring issue in Al-Nassr’s season.

Impact on the Saudi Pro League Title Race

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad result has profound implications for the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League title race. Al-Ittihad’s victory strengthens their grip on the summit, with 71 points from 30 games. Al-Hilal (62 points) and Al-Nassr (60 points) trail significantly, with only four matches remaining. Al-Nassr’s hopes of overtaking the leaders now seem slim, especially after dropping points in crucial fixtures.

For Ronaldo, who has 19 league goals and remains a talisman, this defeat adds pressure to deliver in the remaining games. Al-Nassr’s earlier losses, including a 2-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad in March and a 2-1 loss to Al-Qadsiah, highlight their inconsistency against top sides. The team’s elimination from the AFC Champions League semi-finals further dims their trophy prospects, leaving the King Cup as their only realistic chance for silverware.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Sentiment

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad match sparked intense reactions on social media. X posts captured fan disappointment, with one stating, “That’s it. Al Nassr doing what we all know.. They give us hope, and then.. Lost. I think it’s the end for Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.” Others criticized Ronaldo’s performance, noting his lack of goals, assists, and dribbles. However, some fans defended Mane’s efforts, praising his goal and assist as a silver lining in a tough defeat.

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Benzema also fueled discussions, with fans comparing their contributions. Benzema’s goal and overall influence contrasted sharply with Ronaldo’s quiet night, reigniting debates about their respective impacts in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo’s Season in Context

Despite the Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad disappointment, Ronaldo’s 2024-25 season has been prolific. His 19 league goals make him the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer, two ahead of Al-Shabab’s Abderrazak Hamdallah. Recent braces against Al-Riyadh and Al-Hilal showcased his enduring quality, but performances like this one raise questions about his effectiveness in high-stakes matches at age 40.

Al-Nassr’s broader struggles, including a 3-2 loss to Al-Ettifaq and a 2-1 defeat to Al-Qadsiah, suggest systemic issues beyond Ronaldo’s form. The team’s star-studded roster, featuring Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Aymeric Laporte, has underperformed, failing to replicate the cohesion of Al-Ittihad or Al-Hilal. Pioli’s challenge is to rally the squad for a late push, starting with their next match against Al-Taawoun.

Looking Ahead: Can Al-Nassr Recover?

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad defeat leaves Al-Nassr at a crossroads. With four league games left, they face Al-Taawoun, Al-Shabab, Al-Raed, and Damac—matches where Ronaldo’s leadership will be crucial. A top-three finish would secure AFC Champions League qualification, but the title seems out of reach. The King Cup offers a chance for redemption, with Al-Nassr still in contention to face Al-Ittihad again in the final.

For Ronaldo, the focus is on regaining form and silencing critics. His next opportunity comes against Al-Taawoun, where a goal could reignite Al-Nassr’s momentum. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad’s depth, led by Benzema, Kante, and Aouar, makes them favorites to clinch the title, with their next test against Al-Ahli looming.

Conclusion

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad match was a microcosm of Al-Nassr’s season: flashes of brilliance undone by critical lapses. Sadio Mane’s heroics couldn’t mask Ronaldo’s struggles or the team’s defensive frailties, as Al-Ittihad’s second-half masterclass secured a 3-2 victory. With the Saudi Pro League title slipping away, Al-Nassr must regroup to salvage their season. Ronaldo, despite his off-night, remains key to their hopes, but the road ahead is steep. Share your thoughts on Ronaldo’s performance and Al-Nassr’s title chances in the comments!

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— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 7, 2025

FAQs: Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad

What was the final score in the Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad match?
Al-Ittihad won 3-2, with goals from Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Houssem Aouar overcoming Al-Nassr’s 2-0 lead.
How did Cristiano Ronaldo perform against Al-Ittihad?
Ronaldo had a quiet game, with no goals or assists, one of six shots on target, and 13 possessions lost, earning a 4/10 rating.
Who were Al-Nassr’s standout players?
Sadio Mane was the MVP, scoring and assisting, while Ayman Yahya also impressed with a goal.
What went wrong for Al-Nassr in the second half?
Al-Ittihad’s aggressive pressing and quick goals from Benzema and Kante exposed Al-Nassr’s defensive and midfield weaknesses.
How does this loss affect Al-Nassr’s title chances?
Al-Nassr are now 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad with four games left, making the title highly unlikely.
What’s next for Al-Nassr and Ronaldo?
They face Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League, with Ronaldo aiming to rediscover his scoring touch.