Al-Nassr vs Al-Riyadh Saudi Pro League 2024-25: Ronaldo, Mane and Felix Shine as Hosts Dominate Early at Al-Awwal Park

The Saudi Pro League 2024-25 returned with a thrilling encounter as Al-Nassr vs Al-Riyadh lit up Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. The hosts, powered by Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Joao Felix, made an explosive start to the game and immediately put Al-Riyadh under pressure. Fans inside the stadium witnessed end-to-end action, with Al-Nassr showing why they remain one of the strongest sides in the league.

Al-Nassr Strike First Against Al-Riyadh

The opening minutes belonged entirely to Al-Nassr. Within six minutes, Kingsley Coman showcased his blistering pace down the left flank before delivering a precise low cross. Joao Felix, the Portuguese star signing, made the slightest of touches to direct the ball past the Al-Riyadh goalkeeper. It was a dream start for the hosts, who quickly stamped their authority on the fixture.

Current Scoreline: Al-Nassr 3-0 Al-Riyadh (41’)

Cristiano Ronaldo Comes Close to Doubling the Lead

Cristiano Ronaldo, leading the line with his usual energy, had several key moments in the opening stages. From a well-taken Brozovic corner, Ronaldo’s powerful header narrowly missed the target, keeping the scoreline at 1-0. His positioning and sharp runs continued to trouble the Al-Riyadh defenders, making it clear that the veteran striker remains as dangerous as ever.

Sadio Mane Misses a Golden Chance

One of the biggest moments of the first half came through Sadio Mane. With three teammates, including Ronaldo, positioned for an easy finish, Mane attempted a square ball that ended up going wide of the post. The miss left Al-Nassr players frustrated, as the opportunity could have put the game out of Al-Riyadh’s reach before halftime.

Relentless Attacks from Al-Nassr

The hosts did not let up after their early goal. Continuous waves of attack poured forward, with Felix and Mane linking up with Ronaldo to create openings. Another Ronaldo attempt was flagged offside, but Al-Nassr’s intent remained clear—they wanted to extend their lead quickly.

Cooling Break and Tactical Pause

At the 25-minute mark, the referee called for a cooling break due to the high temperatures in Riyadh. The pause provided Al-Riyadh with a much-needed chance to reorganize after a relentless start from their opponents. For Al-Nassr, it was an opportunity to regroup and prepare for the next push.

Al-Nassr vs Al-Riyadh Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Al-Nassr have held the upper hand over Al-Riyadh in recent seasons. In their last four meetings, Al-Riyadh have failed to secure a win, with Ronaldo himself playing a pivotal role in multiple victories.

What to Expect in the Second Half

With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Joao Felix all heavily involved, Al-Nassr will aim to capitalize on their dominance and extend their lead. Al-Riyadh, on the other hand, must find creativity and resilience if they hope to mount a comeback against one of the most formidable teams in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25.