Al Nassr Triumph Amid Ronaldo Absence

Al Nassr produced another dramatic and headline-grabbing night in the Saudi Pro League, securing a vital 1–0 victory over Al Riyadh despite the notable absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The narrow win, sealed by a decisive strike from Sadio Mané, kept Al Nassr firmly in the championship conversation, while simultaneously fuelling intense debate off the pitch about Ronaldo’s future and the club’s transfer policy.

The fixture carried significant weight for both sides. Al Nassr entered the match second in the table with 43 points from 18 games, trailing leaders Al Hilal by three points and aware that any slip could prove costly in the title race. For Al Riyadh, stranded near the relegation zone with just 12 points, the encounter represented a battle for survival. The contrasting objectives ensured a tense and fiercely contested contest from the opening whistle.

Yet the pre-match narrative was dominated by Ronaldo’s omission. Reports from several international outlets suggested that the Portuguese superstar was left out not due to injury or rotation, but because of frustration with the club’s management and its approach to the winter transfer window. Allegations of uneven investment among Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed clubs and a perceived lack of reinforcements reportedly contributed to his discontent. Al Nassr, however, refrained from issuing a detailed official explanation, allowing speculation to intensify.

In Ronaldo’s absence, head coach Jorge Jesus reshuffled his attacking setup. Abdulrahman Ghareeb was deployed centrally, flanked by João Félix and Mané on the wings. Al Nassr began assertively, pressing high and creating early chances. Mané tested goalkeeper Milan Borjan within the opening quarter-hour, while Félix’s long-range effort soon after forced Al Riyadh’s defence into emergency action.

Sustained pressure eventually paid dividends late in the first half. Five minutes before the interval, Mané found space in the penalty area and finished clinically to give Al Nassr the lead. Recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegalese forward demonstrated his experience and composure at a critical moment.

Al Riyadh responded with greater urgency after the break, pushing men forward and exploiting moments of transition. They fashioned several late opportunities, most notably in the 89th minute when Enes Sali’s effort drifted narrowly wide. Nevertheless, Al Nassr’s defence and goalkeeper held firm to preserve a hard-fought clean sheet.

The victory marked Al Nassr’s fifth consecutive league win and briefly lifted them to the top of the table, before Al Hilal later reclaimed first place with a win of their own. While the three points strengthened Al Nassr’s title credentials, the unresolved uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo threatens to overshadow their on-field progress.

Key Match Facts

Amid celebration, Al Nassr now face pressing questions. Can the club stabilise relations with its most famous player, and will management match ambition with decisive investment? As this encounter demonstrated, the Saudi Pro League title race is being fought as intensely in boardrooms as it is on the pitch.