Al-Nassr 1-0 Al-Taawoun: Report, result and goals as Ronaldo and Co close gap at the top

Al-Nassr edged past Al-Taawoun with a 1-0 win in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s team moving back up to second in the table.

The hosts made an aggressive start and thought they had taken the lead inside five minutes when Mohamed Simakan headed home from close range.

However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review, with Simakan judged to be offside in the build-up. That early warning did little to slow Al-Nassr, who continued to push forward through Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman.

Ronaldo came closest in open play during the early stages, striking the crossbar from inside the box after being picked out by Simakan.

Al-Taawoun, meanwhile, were largely limited to set-piece situations and isolated breaks, with Roger Martinez and Angelo Fulgini unable to gain sustained momentum in the final third.

Al-Nassr’s pressure eventually told shortly before half-time. In the 45th minute, a delivery into the box caused confusion in the Al-Taawoun defence, and centre-back Mohammed Al Dossary inadvertently headed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.

The hosts could have extended their advantage before the interval. Simakan went close again with a header from a corner, while Sadio Mane and Ronaldo both forced Mailson into saves as Al-Taawoun struggled to clear their lines.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Al Nassr controlled possession and continued to create openings, with Coman particularly influential down the left. Within minutes of the restart, Coman tested Mailson twice in quick succession, first with a low drive and then with a header from a cross by Sultan Al Ghanam. Mane later struck the post after a fast break involving Felix, coming close to doubling the lead.

Despite being under sustained pressure, Al-Taawoun remained in the contest. Mohammed Al Dossary headed wide from a set piece, while Roger Martinez tried his luck from distance, sending an effort high and wide.

As the game moved into its final stages, Al-Nassr continued to search for a second goal to settle matters. Ronaldo saw multiple efforts blocked or saved, including a late chance from the left side of the box that Mailson handled comfortably.

Felix was also denied in stoppage time after cutting inside and shooting low toward the far corner.