Score: Al Ettifaq 0-3 Al Nassr
Date: September 20, 2024
Venue: Ettifaq Club Stadium, Dammam
The highly anticipated clash between Al Ettifaq and Al Nassr ended in a dominant 3-0 victory for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 season. The match saw an impressive performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, who added another goal to his legendary career tally, along with contributions from key players such as Sadio Mane, Al-Najdi, and Talisca.
First Half: Ronaldo Breaks the Deadlock
The first half was an intense battle between the two teams, with both sides pushing hard to take control of the match. Al Ettifaq, led by Moussa Dembele, tried to impose their game plan early on, but Al Nassr’s defense remained solid. As the match progressed, Al Nassr began to find their rhythm, moving the ball around with precision and creating more scoring opportunities.
The breakthrough for Al Nassr came in the 33rd minute. After a quick counterattack, Sultan Al-Ghanam was fouled inside the box, earning a penalty for Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his cool composure under pressure, stepped up to take the spot-kick. Without any hesitation, he placed the ball confidently into the back of the net, marking his 902nd career goal. This goal put Al Nassr 1-0 ahead and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Second Half: Al Nassr's Attack Overwhelms Al Ettifaq
The second half began with Al Ettifaq trying to regroup and mount a comeback. Moussa Dembele was central to their efforts, but the Al Nassr defense, marshaled by their experienced backline, remained resolute, denying any clear chances for the home team.
Al Nassr, on the other hand, continued their dominant display. In the 56th minute, they doubled their lead thanks to a brilliant piece of teamwork. Sadio Mane, who was lively throughout the game, delivered a precise pass to Al-Najdi. Showing great composure, Al-Najdi chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 2-0. This goal provided Al Nassr with a comfortable cushion and further dampened Al Ettifaq’s spirits.
Despite being two goals down, Al Ettifaq showed resilience and continued to push forward in search of a way back into the game. However, their efforts were consistently thwarted by Al Nassr’s well-organized defense, and they struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
Talisca Seals the Victory
Al Nassr put the game beyond doubt in the 70th minute when Talisca added a third goal. Once again, it was Sadio Mane who played a pivotal role in the buildup. Mane’s vision and passing ability were on full display as he provided another assist, this time finding Talisca in a dangerous position. Talisca made no mistake, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
This goal effectively sealed the victory for Al Nassr, leaving Al Ettifaq with no hope of a comeback. Talisca’s goal highlighted Al Nassr’s attacking depth, with multiple players stepping up to contribute to their win.
Steven Pioli's First Victory
This match marked a significant moment for Al Nassr's new manager, Steven Pioli, as he celebrated his first win with the team. Pioli, who took over the reins recently, was clearly pleased with his team's performance, especially the way they controlled the game from start to finish. His tactical approach and the players’ execution of the game plan were key factors in securing this comfortable victory.
Al Ettifaq’s Struggles
On the other side, Al Ettifaq had a tough outing. Despite their efforts, they were unable to break down Al Nassr’s defense. Moussa Dembele, their star forward, worked hard throughout the match but was isolated for much of the game and couldn’t make the desired impact. Al Ettifaq's manager will likely have to rethink his approach for future matches, as they struggled to deal with Al Nassr’s pace and creativity in attack.
In the end, Al Nassr's superior quality in attack, led by the likes of Ronaldo, Mane, and Talisca, proved too much for Al Ettifaq. The 3-0 victory was well-deserved, and it showcased Al Nassr's intent to be a serious contender for the Saudi Pro League title this season.
With this win, Al Nassr has gained valuable momentum, while Al Ettifaq will need to regroup and analyze their shortcomings. The season is still young, and both teams will have plenty of opportunities to improve and achieve their goals.