RIYADH: Al-Nassr began their 2024-25 Saudi Pro League campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Al-Raed at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Thursday.
Last season’s runners-up took the lead in the 34th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo headed home a Sadio Mane cross from the left. The Portuguese star celebrated his goal with a traditional Saudi dance.
Al-Raed were back on level terms four minutes into the second half thanks to a Mohammed Fouzair penalty. Al-Nassr were relieved to see the man who gave away the foul that caused it, Aymeric Laporte, escape with a booking following a red card check by the video assistant referee but, despite that let-off, the home team could not find the winner their fans might have expected.
Elsewhere, in what turned out to be the match of the day, Al-Wehda and Al-Riyadh played out a dramatic 3-3 draw at King Abdulaziz Sport City Stadium in Makkah.
Australian international Craig Goodwin gave the home team the lead five minutes before the break but the side from the capital hit back six minutes into the second half courtesy of Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Mensah.
Goodwin restored Al-Wehda’s lead just after the hour mark, minutes after Al-Riyadh were reduced to 10 men when Hussien Al-Nowiqi was sent off. However, the visitors rallied and Ibrahim Bayesh equalized with five minutes of normal time left.
The 12 minutes of time added by the referee meant there was still the chance of some late twists and turns, and that is exactly what happened. Murad Khadhari looked to have won it for Al-Wehda in the 94th minute, only for Al-Riyadh to again pull level three minutes later when Lucas Kal scored their third equalizer of the night to secure a share of the points.
In the first match of the day, last season’s surprise package, Al-Taawoun, launched their campaign with a last-gasp victory over Al-Fayha at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.
Despite being reduced to 10 men after Abraham Alshuyl was sent off in the 81st minute, Al-Taawoun were not content to hold on for a point from a goalless draw, and they were rewarded for their fighting spirit five minutes into stoppage time when substitute Adam Mohammed grabbed the winner with a firm header.
