· 2 min readIn this Al Riyadh vs Al Nassr match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
The second Saudi Pro League game brought a derby, although not one that quite has the same magnitude as the big Saudi rivalries. Still, there was plenty of anticipation, especially because Cristiano Ronaldo would finally feature in an Al Nassr game this season. Ange Postecoglou had started his job very well, with two wins from two games and a very fluid attacking team, with João Félix as a key player. Ronaldo, who hadn’t even featured in the friendlies, started on the bench (justifiable).
And Al Nassr started by controlling the game. In the 4th minute, Félix forced the Riyadh goalkeeper into a save from a free kick, and then the team continued to dominate possession, although without creating too much danger. Riyadh defended deep and tried to break on the counter, but by the 20th minute they still hadn’t even registered a shot.
In the 18th minute, the first goal arrived. Ângelo delivered the corner and Al Amri rose above everyone to head the ball into the back of the net. Without Ronaldo on the pitch, he was the biggest attacking threat from set pieces. The 0-1 gave Nassr even more control, but the performance wasn’t exactly exciting. Lots of crosses, some attacking pressure, but ultimately, little efficiency.
Félix continued to be one of the most active players. In the 38th minute, he put the ball into the box from a free kick and Al-Hamdan beat his marker, but headed wide. It’s one of those chances where you immediately understand the difference Ronaldo can make.
Deep into stoppage time, Nassr extended their lead. Félix received the ball with a backheel and released Coman, who put in a low cross. Al-Hamdan missed the finish, but the ball fell to Ângelo, who appeared at the far post and fired it into the net for 0-2. A goal and an assist for the Brazilian on this great night.
And there’s an interesting detail about this Al Nassr side: Coman seems to have much more freedom under Postecoglou. Ângelo often leaves the flank to appear as the right winger, while Coman moves inside and attacks the space created.
The second half started more evenly, but without any real danger. Until Félix stepped up again. In the 58th minute, he received a cross, controlled it, cut inside and, despite being completely surrounded, found a tiny bit of space to fire a low shot into the corner. A beautiful goal to make it 0-3.
Four minutes later, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Cristiano Ronaldo came on for Al-Hamdan and finally made his season debut. And he quickly started looking for his goal. In the 78th minute, he dribbled down the right, cut onto his left foot and shot straight at the goalkeeper. A minute later, he tried a volley from a cross, but the centre-back got there first.
Until, in the 84th minute, it happened. Yahya delivered a low cross, Ronaldo controlled the ball while turning and finished into the back of the net. Cristiano Ronaldo goal. Number 977 of his career and his first of the season. That’s what Ronaldo does: he comes on, looks for the goal and finds it. Appreciate him while you can.
He came close to a second in the 90th minute, but he was offside and the goalkeeper’s save was excellent. Al Riyadh never really managed to threaten Bento and Al Nassr won 4-0.
Post-match
Al Nassr win, dominate and, in the end, it was a calm game. Félix continues to be in an incredible run of form, as does Ângelo, and the night also brings us the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, with a goal to go with it. A great day for Al Nassr and Cristiano fans. Thank you, Ronaldo. We have to celebrate every goal he scores.
