Al-Nassr 1-0 Al-Ettifaq: Report, result and goals as Ronaldo and Co take one step closer to title

Al-Nassr secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Al-Ettifaq in a tense encounter that was decided by a single moment of quality in the first half.

Coman strikes as Al-Nassr take control

The decisive moment came just after the half-hour mark when Kingsley Coman finished from close range to give Al-Nassr the lead.

Al Nassr had already shown attacking intent early on, with Cristiano Ronaldo going close on multiple occasions. The forward was denied by Marek Rodak from distance and later struck the post after being played in by Sadio Mane.

Meanwhile, Joao Felix was heavily involved in the build-up play, linking midfield and attack while also testing the goalkeeper from range.

Al-Ettifaq were not without their own opportunities. Moussa Dembele and Georginio Wijnaldum both threatened, but their efforts lacked the clinical edge required to break the deadlock.

Missed chances after the break

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Al-Nassr continuing to create openings but failing to extend their advantage. Ronaldo remained central to their attacking efforts, seeing multiple shots blocked in quick succession, while Felix and Mane combined well but could not find a second goal.

Al-Ettifaq, however, grew into the game and came closest to equalising shortly after the restart. Moussa Dembele forced a sharp save from Bento, before Wijnaldum’s header was also kept out by the Al-Nassr goalkeeper.

Further opportunities came and went at both ends. Ayman Yahya tested Rodak from distance, while a late header from Abdulelah Al-Amri drifted wide.

Late drama but Al Nassr hold on

The closing stages brought a flurry of substitutions and stoppages, disrupting the rhythm of the game. Ronaldo was withdrawn late on, with Al-Nassr opting to protect their narrow lead rather than chase a second goal.

Tensions boiled over in stoppage time when Jack Hendry was shown a straight red card for violent conduct, summing up a frustrating end to the match for Al-Ettifaq. The dismissal effectively ended any hopes of a late equaliser.

There were still a few nervy moments for the hosts, with set-pieces and loose balls causing brief concern, but Al-Nassr managed the final minutes well.

The result strengthens Al-Nassr’s grip on the title as they continue their push in the Saudi Pro League.