Al-Nassr are certain that they cannot challenge Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad for the title. However, Al-Hilal, their rivals on Friday night, continue to snap on the heels of the league leaders with just 10 matchdays remaining. As such, Stefano Pioli’s side knew that beating their bitter city rivals at the Kingdom Arena would end Al-Hilal’s hunt to defend their Saudi Pro League title.
Al-Hilal started the clash off strong as they tested Al-Nassr keeper Bento on two occasions in the first five minutes, however, the visitors soon wrestled back control but failed to threaten the Blue Waves’ goal. Al-Nassr then had a slight moment of terror after Cristiano Ronaldo hit the turf with a shoulder injury and stayed down for an extended period, however, the Portuguese superstar endured the pain to continue playing. Former Aston Villa star Jhon Duran then had a perfect moment to give Faris Najd a first-half lead as they countered, but the Colombian was unable to test Yassine Bounou as he slashed his shot over the bar. The game remained tied at 0-0, and it looked like the game would enter the half-time break level. However, Al-Nassr’s Ali Al-Hassan had other plans as he curled a perfect shot past Bono from a short corner to give the visitors the lead at half-time.
Al-Nassr doubled their lead in the early moments of the second half after Sadio Mane’s blitzing run through the midfield left the defence trying to fight back. The Senegalese then found Ronaldo with a perfect pass, who slid the ball past a stranded Bono. However, the Blue Waves had their way back into the game after Ali Albulayhi connected with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s headed pass. Al-Hilal then took control of the clash, much to Pioli’s dismay as they dominated possession and only allowed the visitors chances on the counter. However, a handball from Al-Hilal defender Moteb Al-Harbi gave Al-Nassr a spot kick, which was coolly slotted by Ronaldo to give them a comfortable 3-1 win away to Al-Hilal.
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As it always is, Ronaldo was impeccable in front of the goal for Al-Nassr as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored the visitors’ second and third goals of the night. While the Portugal star did not have a spectacular night, he was responsible for Faris Njad pulling away from Al-Hilal on two occasions
