Al-Nassr secures top spot in Saudi Roshn League after 4-0 victory
Ronaldo’s impact and Al-Nassr’s dominance
Al-Nassr secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in the Saudi capital, moving to the top of the Saudi Roshn League. The win places Al-Nassr at 6 points, leading the league on goal difference ahead of Al-Hilal, which now sits in second place. Manager Ange Postecoglou praised his team’s performance, particularly highlighting the contribution of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, making his season debut, entered the match as a substitute and scored Al-Nassr’s fourth goal in the 83rd minute. This goal marked his first of the season and his 977th career goal. He converted a low cross from Ayman Yahya with his left foot, just 21 minutes after coming onto the field. Postecoglou noted that Ronaldo “delivered everything” in his approximately 30 minutes of play, despite being busy during the preparation period.
The match saw Al-Nassr establish control early. Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a header from a corner. Brazilian midfielder Angelo provided the assist for the opening goal. Before halftime, Angelo himself doubled the lead. Following the break, Portuguese star Joao Felix extended Al-Nassr’s advantage to three goals with a low shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan.
Manager’s praise and team fatigue
Postecoglou acknowledged the fatigue affecting his players due to a demanding fixture schedule at the start of the season. He mentioned that playing 3 matches in 6 days presented a challenge for the team. Despite the tiredness, he congratulated the players for achieving victory in these matches, commending their sustained effort and quality of play.
The manager also highlighted the work of his coaching staff, specifically mentioning Paul Nevin and Tony, the goalkeepers’ coach, for their expertise in set pieces. Postecoglou saluted Paul Nevin after Abdulelah Al-Amri’s opening goal, which came from a corner. He emphasized the importance of set pieces and the hard work put in by the coaches to make Al-Nassr strong in this aspect of the game.
Al-Nassr’s dominant performance against Al-Riyadh, who suffered their second consecutive loss and are at the bottom of the table, showcased the team’s strength. The integration of global stars alongside local talent appears to be making Al-Nassr a formidable force in the league. Ronaldo’s return to the field with a goal and a significant victory serves as a strong statement of intent for the season.
Ronaldo’s pursuit of club record
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to maintain impressive scoring levels and is nearing another significant achievement with Al-Nassr. He is close to becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in the Saudi Pro League. The current record is held by Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, who scored 103 goals in 205 matches for the club.
Ronaldo has scored 102 goals in just 107 matches since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, demonstrating an impressive scoring rate. He needs one more goal to equal Al-Sahlawi’s record and two to take sole possession of the title. This pursuit of a new club record adds another dimension to his career, as he continues to add to his record-filled history since arriving in Saudi Arabia.
The victory against Al-Riyadh not only propelled Al-Nassr to the top of the league but also marked a significant step in Ronaldo’s personal quest for the 1,000-goal mark, a milestone he has hinted at reaching before a potential retirement. His goal in the 83rd minute of the match against Al-Riyadh was his 977th career goal.
Source: goal.com
