Ronaldo’s Penalty and Mane’s Two Assists Lead Al-Nassr to a Commanding 3-0 Victory, While Wijnaldum Struggles for Al-Ettifaq
Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved his class as Al-Nassr secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese superstar converted a first-half penalty to open the scoring, while Sadio Mane stole the spotlight with two brilliant assists, helping Salem Al-Najdi and Anderson Talisca seal the win. For Al-Ettifaq, it was a night to forget, especially for midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who struggled to make an impact.
Al-Nassr’s Relentless Attack
From the opening whistle, Al-Nassr applied pressure, bombarding Gerrard’s side with wave after wave of attacks. Despite some resilient defending from Al-Ettifaq, Marek Rodak’s goal eventually succumbed to the pressure when Cristiano Ronaldo confidently slotted home a penalty midway through the first half. The penalty was a product of Al-Nassr’s constant probing, with their fluid play eventually forcing a defensive error that led to Ronaldo’s chance.
Though Ronaldo’s goal was the game’s breakthrough moment, Al-Ettifaq managed to keep Al-Nassr from creating further significant threats during the remainder of the first half. Gerrard’s men, however, failed to capitalize on their defensive solidity as they struggled to build any momentum going forward.
Sadio Mane’s Masterclass
The second half told a different story. Al-Nassr’s dominance only grew, and Sadio Mane was at the heart of their best moves. Mane first set up left-back Salem Al-Najdi with a well-timed through ball that allowed the defender to score Al-Nassr’s second goal with precision. Al-Najdi’s finish extended the gap between the two sides, leaving Al-Ettifaq with little hope of a comeback.
Mane wasn’t done yet. The Senegalese forward delivered a pinpoint cutback to Anderson Talisca in the 70th minute, who fired home a perfect strike to cap off the night. Talisca’s goal put the game beyond reach, ensuring a comfortable 3-0 victory for Al-Nassr.
A Tough Night for Wijnaldum and Al-Ettifaq
While Ronaldo and Mane dazzled, Al-Ettifaq’s marquee signing, Georginio Wijnaldum, had a night to forget. The Dutchman struggled to impose himself in midfield, unable to provide the creative spark Gerrard’s side so desperately needed. His influence was minimal, as Al-Nassr’s midfield trio effectively neutralized his threat, leaving Al-Ettifaq outmatched in almost every department.
Defensively, Al-Ettifaq also had their hands full, with Meshal Ali Khayarallah and Radhi Al-Otebi finding it difficult to contain Mane’s pace and trickery, as well as Talisca’s technical brilliance.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Al-Nassr continues their unbeaten start to the Saudi Pro League season, signaling their intent to challenge for the title. Ronaldo’s leadership on the pitch, combined with Mane’s growing influence, suggests that Al-Nassr’s star-studded squad is finally finding its rhythm.
For Steven Gerrard and Al-Ettifaq, the defeat serves as a reminder of the work still needed to compete against the league’s elite. With Wijnaldum and other key players underperforming, Gerrard will need to find solutions quickly to avoid falling further behind in the race for the top spots.
As Al-Nassr celebrates another commanding win, all eyes will remain on Ronaldo and Mane as they continue to light up the Saudi Pro League with their world-class performances.
