Cristiano Ronaldo watched with a heavy heart as Karim Benzema delivered a message to his former Madrid teammates. In a clash dominated by attacking flair, Al Nassr, steered by Ronaldo, surged past Al Ittihad with a final score of 5-2. The victory propelled Al Nassr to sixth in the Saudi Pro League standings, earning 22 points and tightening the gap to the top teams. Ronaldo’s side wore the sharper edge on the night, their performance translating into a statement win that left fans buzzing about the title race in the early stages of the season.
The key turning point arrived in the 68th minute when Fabinho, already feeling the pressure, was sent off. The home crowd roared as Al Ittihad briefly rose to the occasion, taking the lead through a well-worked strike by Hamdallah. Benzema then stepped up from the spot, restoring balance and igniting Ronaldo’s personal scoring surge. That penalty not only equalized the game but also opened the floodgates for a second-half onslaught that would redefine the match momentum.
By halftime, Talisca had already put Al Nassr in front, crafting a finish that belied the contest’s earlier tension. The restart saw Hamdallah cancel the hosts’ advantage with a swift equalizer, setting a dramatic tone for the second half and keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats. The expulsion of Fabinho, coupled with the numerical disadvantage for Al Ittihad, created a window of opportunity that Ronaldo and his teammates would not let slip away.
The red card to Fabinho arrived amid a moment of intense pressure as he clashed with an opponent while guarding the ball. The decision amplified the stakes, turning the game into a test of endurance and discipline. Ronaldo seized the moment, guiding Al Nassr through a dramatic sequence that featured a brace from him and further support from teammates. Sadio Mané capitalized on the increased space, meeting two precise finishes that sealed the evening for the visitors and extended their lead in the closing stages.
Marcelo Gallardo’s strategic substitutions did not spark a revival for Al Ittihad. The changes introduced by the visiting coach failed to generate the necessary spark, leaving the home side short of ideas as the clock ticked down. The late goals from Mané underscored the visitors’ control and the growing confidence in their attacking unit. The match concluded with Al Nassr riding a wave of momentum, the result reflecting a convincing display of attacking efficiency and resilience in the face of adversity.