RIYADH: The Riyadh derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab headlined the Saudi Pro League with a thrilling five-goal encounter, as Al-Nassr edged their city rivals 3-2 to end a four-match winless run.
Al-Nassr made a blistering start, asserting their dominance inside the opening 10 minutes with two quick goals. Within two minutes the hosts exploited a gap in the Al-Shabab defense as a low cross intended for Cristiano Ronaldo was inadvertently bundled into his own net by Saad Balobaid.
Eight minutes later, Nawaf Boushal, Angelo and Kingsley Coman combined down the left flank to carve open the defence. Wesley met the resulting cross and cushioned the ball into Coman’s path with his chest, allowing the French winger to double Al-Nassr’s lead with an acrobatic bicycle kick.
Al-Shabab appeared stunned and struggled to create clear chances, with their only real threat coming down the right flank through Saudi youngster and former Al-Ittihad winger Hammam Al-Hammami.
Al-Hammami took advantage of Boushal defending on his weaker foot and beat his defender before delivering a low cross that Mohamed Simakan diverted into his own net, reducing the deficit and giving the visitors renewed belief.
Al-Shabab grew in confidence and went close to equalizing just before the break when a deep cross caused problems in the Al-Nassr area, but goalkeeper Bento punched the ball clear to preserve his side’s lead at the break.
Imanol Alguacil’s half-time instructions had an immediate impact, with Al-Shabab dominating the opening stages of the second half. Al-Nassr initially withstood the pressure, but the visitors eventually found their equalizer in the 53rd minute.
Yannick Carrasco exploited space in the defence as Inigo Martinez failed to track his runner, allowing Carlos Junior to break through on goal. The Brazilian kept his composure to slot the ball past compatriot Bento and level the score.
With a fifth straight game without a win threatening to derail Al-Nassr’s title challenge, head coach Jorge Jesus reacted by making two substitutions in the 65th minute, replacing Boushal with Saad Al-Nasser and introducing Abdulrahman Ghareeb in place of Wesley.
Al-Shabab’s cause was not helped when Vincent Sierro was sent-off after receiving two yellow cards, and Al-Nassr’s decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute. Angelo again proved the creative spark, driving a low cross into the box. Coman’s initial effort was saved by Marcelo Grohe, but Ghareeb was quickest to react, firing home the rebound to restore Al-Nassr’s lead.
Al-Shabab pushed for another equalizer in the closing stages, but Al-Nassr held firm to see out the victory and return to winning ways.
Elsewhere in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Fayha and Damac played out a 1-1 draw, while Al-Ahli edged Al-Kholood 1-0 in Qassim thanks to Ivan Toney’s 74th-minute strike. The result lifted Al-Ahli into joint third place with Al-Nassr on 34 points, both four behind leaders Al-Hilal, who have a game in hand.
Saudi Pro League action resumes on Sunday, with Al-Hazem hosting Al-Qadsiah. Al-Taawoun continue their push for second place against Al-Riyadh, with Al-Hilal traveling to Tabuk to face Neom as they look to maintain their grip on top spot.
