Sports
Report, result and goals as crucial Ronaldo goal seals win
Al-Nassr maintained their pressure at the top end of the Saudi Pro League with a 2-1 away win over Damac on Wednesday night, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner.
Al-Nassr asserted control early on, which translated into a breakthrough inside five minutes. After pressure around the Damac penalty area, Abdulrahman Ghareeb found space and finished low into the bottom corner from close range.
Damac attempted to respond by targeting the flanks, with Dhari Al Anazi and Sanousi Al Hawsawi pushing forward from wing-back positions.
Their early deliveries created moments of concern, though most attacks were halted by Mohamed Simakan and Inigo Martinez, who dealt well with aerial threats.
Valentin Vada had Damac’s first meaningful attempt midway through the half, but his shot from inside the box was saved comfortably.
Al Nassr continued to generate chances. Cristiano Ronaldo was active, though frequently caught offside as Damac held a high defensive line.
Joao Felix was involved in several promising moves and came close to doubling the lead in the 41st minute, when he struck the crossbar after being played through by Ghareeb.
Kingsley Coman and Angelo also tested the Damac defence with shots from distance, though several efforts were blocked.
Al Nassr doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Four minutes into the second half, Joao Felix received the ball on the left side of the penalty area and slipped a pass into Ronaldo’s path. From a tight angle, Ronaldo struck a right-footed shot across goal into the bottom-right corner.
As the second half progressed, the match became increasingly fragmented, with fouls and offside decisions interrupting play.
But Damac were rewarded for their persistence in the 68th minute. From a corner swung in by Abdullah Al Qahtani, Jamal Harkass rose unchallenged at the near post and headed into the roof of the net from close range.
The final 20 minutes were played largely in Al Nassr’s half. Damac created further chances through crosses aimed at Meite, who narrowly missed the target twice with headers, chances that would eventually prove costly.
