Neom vs Al-Nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix struck once again to fire Al-Nassr to a commanding 3-1 victory over Neom SC as they maintained their perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season. Goals from Angelo Gabriel, Ronaldo, and Felix sealed Al-Nassr’s eighth win in as many league matches, extending their lead at the top to three points over Al-Taawoun.
Dominant Al-Nassr Breaks Neom’s Resistance
The game between Neom and Al-Nassr started on a tight note when both teams showed up with chances yet were not able to convert one to seal the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane were close for Al-Nassr, but poor finishing and a couple of crucial saves from Luis Maximiano kept the hosts in the game.
The two biggest misses occurred with Ronaldo, who failed to turn in a header from close range, and Mane, who mishit a simple chance in the box. Although they had been dominant, Al-Nassir found themselves frustrated and scoreless at the break.
Angelo Gabriel Opens the Score in Neom vs Al-Nassr
That breakthrough finally came just three minutes into the second half: former Chelsea midfielder Angelo Gabriel broke the deadlock in the 48th minute after a Ronaldo free-kick was blocked by Neom’s defenders, and the rebound fell kindly to Gabriel, who fired in a composed low finish past Maximiano to give Al-Nassr a deserved 1-0 lead.
Neom Reduced to Ten Men After Rodríguez Red Card
Things only got worse for Neom in the 55th minute when Luciano Rodríguez was given a straight red card following a reckless elbow challenge on an Al-Nassr defender. A VAR review saw the referee send off the Uruguayan striker, leaving Neom down to 10 men.
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This incident proved costly, especially in a game where Alexandre Lacazette had already limped off injured in the first half. With their two main forwards off the pitch, Neom’s attacking threat disappeared.
Ronaldo scores his 953rd career goal
It didn’t take him long to find his name on the score sheet, however, as in the 66th minute, the Portuguese legend won and converted a penalty to double Al-Nassr’s lead, bringing up his 953rd career goal.
The penalty was awarded after Joao Felix chased a rebound following Ronaldo’s initial attempt and was fouled inside the box. Ronaldo coolly slotted the spot-kick past his compatriot Maximiano and celebrated with his trademark “Siuu” as Al-Nassr tightened their grip on the game.
Neom pull one back before Felix seals the win
Ahmed Abdo gave Neom a glimmer of hope in the 84th minute when he punished a defensive lapse from Mohamed Simakan, slotting home to make it 2-1. Their joy was short-lived, though.
Just minutes later, Joao Felix struck Al-Nassr’s third goal with a clinical finish to seal a 3-1 victory and all three points for the Riyadh-based giants. That sharp form from Felix continues to complement Ronaldo perfectly, making them one of the league’s most dangerous attacking duos.
MVP: Cristiano Ronaldo Strikes Again
At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is almost making mockery of time. Lively throughout the 90, leading the press for Al-Nassr, creating a number of chances, and then netting what was an important second. It was enough to secure his match MVP as Al-Nassr maintained their unbeaten record.
The Big Loser: Luciano Rodríguez’s Red Card Costs Neom
Meanwhile, the biggest disappointment of the evening was Luciano Rodríguez on the other end. He saw red for a reckless elbow that left Neom down to 10 men and virtually ended their resistance. Already without the injured Lacazette, Rodríguez’s dismissal left Neom toothless in attack, allowing Al-Nassr to dominate the rest of the match.
What’s Next for Al-Nassr With an eighth straight Saudi Pro League win, Al-Nassr continue to look unstoppable. Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix maintain their red-hot form, while Angelo Gabriel has added an extra spark into the midfield. Next up, they will look to stretch this perfect run further as they prepare for another crucial league clash come next week.
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