Al-Nassr climbed to second place in the Saudi Pro League after edging past Al-Taawoun 1-0 on Monday, courtesy of a first-half own goal by Mohammed Al Dossary.
The win moved Al-Nassr to within five points of league leaders Al-Hilal, extending their resurgence after a difficult spell that saw them go four matches without a victory. They have now registered three consecutive league wins.
Al-Nassr started on the front foot and came close to breaking the deadlock early on when Cristiano Ronaldo rattled the crossbar with a powerful volley following a pinpoint delivery from Mohamed Simakan.
Moments later, Ronaldo and Simakan combined again, with the defender heading Ronaldo’s free-kick into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for offside.
Despite continued pressure, Al-Taawoun goalkeeper Mailson produced a series of fine saves to deny Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, frustrating the hosts for much of the first half.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the stroke of half-time when Mane’s low cross into the box was inadvertently turned into the net by Mohammed Al Dossary, handing Al-Nassr a deserved lead.
After the break, Al-Nassr continued to dominate possession and chances. Mane, returning to club action after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, struck the post as the hosts pushed for a second goal.
Although Al-Nassr failed to extend their advantage, they remained in control, with Mailson again denying Ronaldo at his near post, as the hosts comfortably saw out their 13th league win of the season.
📊 Data Debrief
- Al-Nassr xG: 1.2 from 20 shots
- Al-Taawoun xG: 0.05 from 3 shots
- Sixth league double completed over Al-Taawoun
- First league double against Al-Taawoun since 2021–22
📈 Record Watch
- Al-Nassr have now scored in 70 consecutive Saudi Pro League matches
- Total goals during the run: 184
- Only the second team in league history to achieve this feat, after Al-Hilal (86-match record)
🌟 Players to Watch
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
- Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)
- Mailson (Al-Taawoun)
