Al-Nassr, inspired by the relentless energy of Mane, tightened their grip on the Saudi Pro League title race with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun on Monday evening, drawing level with Al-Ahly and closing within two points of leaders Al-Hilal. While the home side controlled proceedings throughout, converting dominance into goals proved surprisingly difficult, ultimately requiring a first-half own goal from Mohammed Al Dossary to secure three crucial points and extend their winning streak to three matches.
Mane Creates Magic While Ronaldo Faces Repeated Setbacks
The match began with Al-Nassr asserting their authority immediately. Just four minutes in, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a perfectly weighted free-kick toward the back post, finding Mohamed Simakan whose header beat Brazilian goalkeeper Mailson. However, celebrations were cut short as officials flagged the play offside.
The 40-year-old Portuguese forward endured a night of mounting frustration. Mailson denied Inigo Martinez before turning away multiple Ronaldo attempts during the opening exchanges. Another Ronaldo finish was disallowed, continuing a pattern that would define his evening.
Despite controlling possession and creating numerous chances, Al-Nassr needed an unfortunate deflection to break the deadlock. Sadio Mane delivered a dangerous cross into the area where Al-Taawoun center-back Al Dossary inadvertently redirected the ball past his own keeper, handing Jorge Jesus’s side the advantage.
Second Half Intensity Builds But Breakthrough Remains Elusive
Al-Nassr emerged from the break determined to extend their lead. Mane came agonizingly close when his powerful strike rattled the post, showcasing the Senegalese international’s influence throughout the contest. Kingsley Coman tested Mailson twice, but the Al-Taawoun goalkeeper proved equal to both challenges.
Drama intensified when Ronaldo went down inside the penalty area. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but video review revealed the striker had strayed offside during buildup play, negating the potential penalty.
Mailson Stands Tall Against Relentless Pressure
The Brazilian goalkeeper delivered a performance that kept his team competitive despite facing wave after wave of attacks from Al-Nassr, including repeated threats from Mane and Ronaldo. Late in the match, Mailson produced another crucial save, denying Ronaldo at the near post to preserve Al-Taawoun’s slim hopes of salvaging something from the contest.
While he could not prevent the own goal that decided the match — a moment created by Mane’s dangerous delivery — the 29-year-old shotstopper frustrated Al-Nassr’s attacking stars repeatedly. His positioning, reflexes and decision-making provided Al-Taawoun with their best chance of earning an unlikely result against superior opposition.
Title Race Implications Grow More Intense
This victory represents more than just three points for Al-Nassr in Saudi football. Moving into second place while narrowing the gap to Al-Hilal intensifies pressure at the summit of the Saudi Pro League table. With momentum building through consecutive victories, Jorge Jesus’s squad demonstrates championship resilience despite lacking clinical finishing.
The narrow margin of victory highlighted both Al-Nassr’s attacking prowess and their occasional wastefulness in front of goal. Converting dominance into comfortable wins remains an area requiring improvement as the title race enters its decisive phase.
Individual Brilliance Versus Collective Frustration
While Mane’s creativity provided the catalyst for the winning goal, Ronaldo’s evening symbolized Al-Nassr’s broader struggles with efficiency. Disallowed goals, overturned penalties and brilliant goalkeeping combined to deny the legendary striker his 17th league goal of the campaign.
The contrast between Mane’s productive performance and Ronaldo’s fruitless efforts underscored how different players respond to defensive pressure and tight officiating. Both forwards worked tirelessly, but only one saw tangible rewards for his contributions.
Al-Nassr’s ability to grind out victories when not at their sharpest suggests championship mettle. However, more clinical performances will likely prove necessary if they hope to overtake Al-Hilal and claim the Saudi Pro League crown.
Source: GOAL
