Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025: Magic Ronaldo is on a mission

The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 match on September 28, 2025, at Alinma Stadium in Riyadh was a top-of-the-table thriller, as Sadio Mané’s vintage performance propelled Al Nassr to a 2-0 win over Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad, extending their unbeaten run to six games. Mané’s acrobatic volley and pinpoint assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s header showcased the Senegalese star’s Premier League glory days, securing Al Nassr’s three-point lead in the Saudi Pro League.

Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025: Senegalese Star Powers 2-0 Victory

The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 clash saw Al Nassr, coached by Jorge Jesus, start with ferocious intent against a star-studded Al Ittihad side, who were unbeaten in five league games. Al Nassr’s 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mané and Ronaldo up front flanked by João Félix and Angelo Gabriel, overwhelmed Ittihad’s defense. In the 22nd minute, Félix’s deft footwork on the right wing drew in Ittihad’s Marcelo Pereira, allowing Kingsley Coman to float a cross. Mané met it with an acrobatic volley, his left boot connecting perfectly to bury the ball past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for a 1-0 lead. The goal, Mané’s fifth in 2025, earned him man of the match honors and sent Al Nassr fans into rapture.

Five minutes later, Mané turned provider, receiving a pass from Marcelo Brozović and whipping a cross to Ronaldo, who rose above Ittihad’s Jhon Lucumí to head home his 101st Al Nassr goal. The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 opener generated 1.2 expected goals (xG), with Ittihad’s 0.4 xG reflecting their struggles. Benzema, absent from the matchday squad due to a minor injury, left Ittihad without their talisman, while Ronaldo’s clinical header extended his league-leading tally to 6 goals.

Second-Half Control and Ittihad’s Struggles

The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 second half saw Al Nassr maintain control, with 58% possession and 14 shots to Ittihad’s 8. Mané nearly added a second in the 58th minute, latching onto Félix’s through ball and forcing a diving save from Bounou. Ittihad, under Laurent Blanc, pushed forward, with Fabinho’s 68th-minute free kick rattling the crossbar. However, Al Nassr’s defense, anchored by Aymeric Laporte and Ali Al-Bulaihi, held firm, conceding just 0.7 xG. Ronaldo missed a chance in the 75th minute, but his earlier header proved decisive.

Ittihad’s lack of creativity without Benzema was evident, with only two big chances created. Their 4-3-3 formation, featuring Moussa Diaby and N’Golo Kanté, failed to penetrate Al Nassr’s midfield, led by Brozović’s 92% pass accuracy (75/82). The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 win extended Al Nassr’s lead to three points over Ittihad, with 12 from four matches. Ittihad’s first defeat of the season drops them to third, behind Al Hilal.

Standout Performances and Key Moments

The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 man of the match was Sadio Mané, rated 9/10 for his volley and assist, completing three dribbles and winning six duels. Ronaldo (8/10) added his header and created two chances, while Félix (7/10) dazzled with his footwork. Brozović (8/10) controlled midfield, and Laporte (7/10) anchored the defense. For Ittihad, Fabinho (6/10) shone with a free kick, but Kanté (5/10) struggled, losing possession 12 times.

The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 turning point was Mané’s 22nd-minute volley, shifting momentum after Ittihad’s early press. Ronaldo’s header capitalized on Ittihad’s high line, and Brozović’s interception in the 85th minute thwarted a late rally. Al Nassr’s 1.9 xG to Ittihad’s 1.1 underscored their superiority, with 62% possession and 14 shots on target.

Al Nassr’s Title Charge

The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 victory propels Al Nassr to the top of the Saudi Pro League with 12 points from four wins. Jorge Jesus’s high-pressing 4-2-3-1, blending Ronaldo’s finishing with Mané’s dynamism and Félix’s creativity, has generated 3.5 xG per game. With upcoming matches against Al Kholood (September 14) and Al Hilal (September 21), Al Nassr’s momentum is key to ending their 2024-25 trophyless season. The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 result highlights their depth, with Coman and Brozović stepping up.

Ittihad’s Setback and Benzema’s Absence

The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 defeat ends Ittihad’s perfect start, dropping them to third with nine points. Karim Benzema’s absence, due to a hamstring strain, deprived Ittihad of their 2024-25 top scorer (18 goals). Laurent Blanc’s low-block tactics, with 42% possession, failed to counter Al Nassr’s press, conceding 2.1 xG. Ittihad’s next game against Al-Raed on September 14 offers a chance to rebound, but Blanc must address defensive errors, as seen in Lucumí’s misplaced header.

Conclusion: Mané’s Moment Defines Al Nassr’s Ambition

The Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 was a statement win, with Mané’s volley and assist powering Al Nassr to a 2-0 triumph. Ronaldo’s header and Jesus’s tactics extended their lead, while Ittihad’s Benzema absence proved costly. As the Saudi Pro League heats up, can Mané and Ronaldo deliver the title? Share your thoughts on the Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025 below!

Nostalgia hits hard 🤍 pic.twitter.com/kV9t71c27m

— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) September 26, 2025

FAQs: Sadio Mane Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad 2025

What was the score of Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad?
Al Nassr won 2-0 on September 28, 2025, at Alinma Stadium.
Who scored for Al Nassr?
Sadio Mané scored a volley (22nd minute), and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a header (27th minute).
Why was Karim Benzema absent?
Benzema missed the match due to a hamstring injury.
How did Mané perform?
Mané scored and assisted, earning man of the match with three dribbles and six duels won.
What’s Al Nassr’s standing?
Al Nassr lead the Saudi Pro League with 12 points from four wins.