Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq, Al-Nassr suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq in a dramatic Saudi Pro League clash, further denting their title hopes. Despite an early lead, the match took a chaotic turn with Jhon Duran receiving a red card and Cristiano Ronaldo failing to find the net again. Former Premier League midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum haunted Al-Nassr, scoring a brace to complete Al-Ettifaq’s comeback victory.
Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq Match Summary
Al-Nassr started the match with high intensity, dominating possession and pinning Al-Ettifaq deep into their half. However, Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to convert chances, with Al-Ettifaq’s goalkeeper Marek Rodak making multiple key saves.
Despite their control, Al-Nassr was nearly punished in first-half stoppage time. Al-Ettifaq struck the post and forced a double save from Bento, keeping the match goalless at halftime.
Second-Half Drama Unfolds
The deadlock was broken within two minutes of the restart, as Ayman Yahya found the net in bizarre fashion. Al-Ettifaq attempted to clear a Sadio Mane cross, but the ball deflected off Yahya’s head and ended up in the net.
Al-Ettifaq quickly responded, with Georginio Wijnaldum leveling the score. Initially ruled offside, VAR overturned the decision, allowing the goal to stand. Yahya thought he had restored Al-Nassr’s lead moments later, but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Al-Nassr did retake the lead, however, when Mohammed Al-Fatil headed home from a well-delivered free kick. But his rollercoaster night took a turn for the worse when he scored an own goal, bringing Al-Ettifaq level once again.
Jhon Duran Sent Off as Al-Ettifaq Snatches Late Winner
The match spiraled further out of control for Al-Nassr in the closing minutes. Wijnaldum capitalized on a fast counterattack, slotting home his second goal in the 89th minute to put Al-Ettifaq ahead for the first time.
Adding to Al-Nassr’s misery, Jhon Duran received a red card in stoppage time for an unnecessary swipe at an opponent, leaving his team with 10 men. The defeat leaves Al-Nassr eight points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad, severely denting their title chances.
Al-Nassr Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defense
- Bento (7/10): Made crucial saves but couldn’t prevent the late collapse.
- Mohammed Al-Fatil (4/10): Scored a goal but also conceded a costly own goal.
- Sultan Al-Ghannam (6/10): Provided width but was exposed defensively.
Midfield
- Sadio Mane (7/10): Assisted the opener but struggled to impact the second half.
- Marcelo Brozovic (6/10): Controlled possession but failed to influence the game late on.
- Otavio (5/10): Ineffective in key moments.
Attack
- Cristiano Ronaldo (6/10): Had chances but was denied by the goalkeeper.
- Jhon Duran (4/10): Sent off late in the match, hurting his team’s chances.
- Ayman Yahya (7/10): Opened the scoring but was inconsistent throughout.
MVP: Georginio Wijnaldum
The former Liverpool midfielder rolled back the years, scoring twice to seal Al-Ettifaq’s comeback win. His late winner showcased his experience and composure under pressure.
Biggest Loser: Mohammed Al-Fatil
Despite scoring a goal, his own goal proved disastrous for Al-Nassr. His misjudgment handed Al-Ettifaq a route back into the match.
What’s Next for Al-Nassr?
Al-Nassr’s title hopes now depend on Al-Hilal defeating Al-Ittihad in their upcoming match. A win for Al-Ittihad would almost certainly end Al-Nassr’s chances of lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy.
The club will also have to cope without Jhon Duran, who will miss the next game due to suspension. With Cristiano Ronaldo struggling for goals, Al-Nassr needs a big response in their next fixture.
Conclusion
Al-Nassr’s disappointing 3-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq leaves them with an uphill battle in the Saudi Pro League title race. Jhon Duran’s red card, Cristiano Ronaldo’s struggles, and Georginio Wijnaldum’s heroics made for an unforgettable match. With just a few games remaining, Al-Nassr must bounce back quickly or risk missing out on silverware this season.
Still pushing 👊 pic.twitter.com/GHNe1Oh5qU
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 21, 2025
FAQs
1. Why was Jhon Duran sent off?
Jhon Duran received a red card in stoppage time for a petty swipe at an opponent, further hurting Al-Nassr’s chances of a comeback.
2. How did Cristiano Ronaldo perform in the match?
Cristiano Ronaldo had a few good chances but was denied by Al-Ettifaq’s goalkeeper. He failed to score again, adding to his recent struggles.
3. What does this loss mean for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League?
The defeat leaves Al-Nassr eight points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad, significantly reducing their chances of winning the league.
4. Who was the best player in the match?
Georginio Wijnaldum was the standout performer, scoring two crucial goals to help Al-Ettifaq secure the victory.
5. Can Al-Nassr still win the Saudi Pro League?
Al-Nassr’s chances now depend on Al-Ittihad dropping points. They must also win their remaining matches to keep their title hopes alive.
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