RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 24th league goal of the season as Al-Nassr eased to a 2-0 win over Al-Okhdood, restoring their five-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League with six games remaining.
Ronaldo struck early to put the visitors ahead, before Joao Felix doubled the advantage in the 47th minute. After a 14-game goal drought, Felix has now netted three times in his past two appearances for Al-Nassr.
The result was largely expected. On paper, Al-Okhdood have rarely troubled Al-Nassr since arriving in the top flight, conceding 21 goals in five straight defeats. Only a narrow 3-2 loss in late 2024 pushed their opponents close.
However, Al-Okhdood have a reputation for strong finishes. In 2023/2024, they lost just once in their final six matches to avoid relegation by a single point. The following season, they were unbeaten in seven of their last 10 games, again surviving by the narrowest margin.
They have also recently appointed Fathi Al-Jabal, who famously guided Al-Fateh to a Saudi Pro League title in 2014. Ironically, his first match in charge came against his former side, with Al-Okhdood securing a 1-0 win to move seven points clear of the drop.
Even so, Al-Nassr are a difficult opponent. Less than a year ago, during one of Al-Okhdood’s strong runs, they suffered a record 9-0 home defeat in this fixture.
This time, the Najran-based side showed improvement. For long spells they disrupted Al-Nassr’s rhythm with a disciplined 4-4-2 shape, limiting space in wide areas. Angelo and Marcelo Brozovic were closely marked, while several attempts were effectively blocked.
Despite that, Al-Nassr needed only one clear chance in the first half — and it fell to Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward converted in the 15th minute after good work down the right flank by Kingsley Coman and Nawaf Bu Washl.
That proved the only breakthrough before the interval, with goalkeeper Samuel Portugal dealing comfortably with the rest.
Al-Nassr quickly added a second after the restart. Felix capitalized on a rebound after Sadio Mane’s effort from the byline was parried into his path, leaving him with a simple finish.
The main talking point came moments later when Mane’s sliding challenge on Mateo Borrell sparked controversy when he caught the defender on the shin. The referee waved play on, with no booking issued.
The incident follows increased scrutiny of officiating after Al-Ahli’s draw with Al-Fayha earlier this week, which dented their title hopes and triggered criticism over refereeing standards.
In response, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed the matter is under review, saying: “The relevant committees have begun taking the necessary regulatory measures related to the aforementioned incidents.”
The win keeps Al-Nassr top on 73 points, ahead of Al-Hilal (68) and Al-Ahli (66), both still firmly in the title race. Al-Ahli face Al-Nassr on April 28, while Al-Hilal meet them on May 7 in potentially decisive fixtures.
Elsewhere, Al-Najma secured just their second win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Neom. Nestor El Maestro’s side are still in danger, however, just 12 points from safety with six games left.
King’s Cup finalists Al-Kholood boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 away win over Al-Taawoun, moving six points clear of the relegation zone.
Al-Hazem, meanwhile, all but secured their top-flight status with a 2-0 win against Al-Fayha, opening an 11-point gap over the drop zone.
Saudi Pro League action resumes on Tuesday, when Al-Qadsiah host Al-Shabab at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam.
