Ronaldo and Mane targets assist hosts survive scare in opposition to strugglers

Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo’s first targets of 2025 gave Al-Nassr an unconvincing 3-1 comeback win at dwelling to Al-Akhdoud as either side returned to motion following the winter break within the Saudi Professional League.

Beginning 13 factors under their opponents and two away from security, the guests capitalised on calamitous defending to take a sixth-minute lead via Nigerian winger Saviour Godwin at Riyadh’s Al-Awwal Park.

The primary SIUUU of 2025 🐐#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/JKWcQvXJMM

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025

Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool ahead Mane equalised within the twenty ninth minute after Sultan Al-Ghannam’s header result in a goalline scramble, and Ronaldo slotted Al-Nassr in entrance from the penalty spot 13 minutes later after the Senegal icon was fouled by Jamaica defender Damion Lowe.

Mane met Al-Ghannam’s inviting cross from the best with an skilled header to seal victory two minutes from the tip of a second half during which the underdogs pushed for an equaliser.

The outcome ended Al-Nassr’s run of two consecutive defeats in all competitions and lifted them to 3rd, eight factors behind leaders Al-Ittihad and 6 behind Al-Hilal, each of whom have a sport extra to play.

Number one️⃣ in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ for CR7️⃣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/IKA1v0ZY4B

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025

Al-Nassr return to successful methods

Victory was all-important for Al-Nassr following their 2-1 defeat at Al-Ittihad on December 6, however this was one other uncomfortable night for probably the most well-resourced golf equipment in Saudi Arabia.

Having completed some extent above the relegation zone final season, there was arguably extra to be inspired by for his or her Najran-based opponents, who saved the competition within the steadiness till Mane’s second.

He can rating together with his ft, and may rating together with his head too: Sadio Mane 🦁🇸🇳#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/ZNCzW70adj

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025

Former Manchester Metropolis defender Aymeric Laporte was one of many gamers culpable for the opening objective and the Spain worldwide was maybe lucky to remain on the pitch shortly afterwards, when he appeared to lash out at Godwin.

Two-time African Footballer of the 12 months Mane had a objective dominated out by a Video Assistant Referee examine, and Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Paulo Vitor after breaking clear simply earlier than half-time.

That’s 6⃣0⃣ targets in 6⃣0⃣ #RoshnSaudiLeague video games for the 🐐 pic.twitter.com/0rHT8yZX02

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9, 2025

Al-Nassr schedule

With Al-Hilal away to Thirteenth-placed Al-Orobah and Al-Ittihad visiting second-bottom Al-Feiha on Saturday, the probabilities of Al-Nassr gaining floor on the highest two this week is slim – however they can not afford to drop extra factors if they’re to have any probability of a late surge for the title.

Mane’s first targets in eight membership and worldwide matches have been welcome, as was Ronaldo’s fifth in 4 league matches, placing him one behind Saudi high scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, of Al-Hilal.

Al-Nassr are subsequent in motion on January 17 (5pm GMT) at Al-Taawoun, who’re at the moment ninth after successful 5 and shedding 5 of their first 13 league video games.