Big-context match. Three-way title race in the Saudi Pro League, maximum pressure and a clear obligation to win. Al Hilal were playing at the same time against Al Ittihad and Al Nassr’s message had to be clear: win with authority.
The start even had a curious detail. Al Hazm didn’t sit back in fear. Quite the opposite. They had the ball, even more possession in the opening minutes, and immediately created a dangerous situation. In the 7th minute, Omar Al-Somah appeared free to head the ball and here I have to state the obvious: a striker of a higher level scores that. He was in the right place, but lacked quality in the execution. And in games like this, those details are punished.
In the 12th minute, Coman breaks down the right, cuts inside and Ronaldo controls with almost unbelievable calm. Placed finish, no chance. 1-0. Goal number 963 of his career, 19th in the league, 500 after turning 30. It’s not even a statistic anymore, it’s historical absurdity.
Curiously, the goal didn’t completely kill Al Hazm. For a few minutes they still tried to react, won corners, tried to push their lines up. But the feeling was clear: whenever Al Nassr accelerated, they created real danger. In the 20th minute, Ronaldo had one of those chances you can’t miss: over-dribbles, complicates the simple and wastes a clear goal. It was a clear miss and it could easily have been 2-0 there.
The second came in the 30th minute, from a counter-attack that sums up the technical gap. Coman drives forward, combines with João Félix, gets it back and finishes while sliding. Cold. Simple. 2-0. And here the game changes definitively: Al Nassr start to play freely, with enjoyment. Brozovic aggressive in recovery, Simakan carrying the ball out and Félix appearing between the lines. The team looked comfortable, confident and almost having fun.
The second half has less story in terms of the score, but keeps the same trend. Al Nassr created enough to turn this into a historic thrashing. Félix slips when through on goal, Ronaldo forces the goalkeeper into a big save and the chances pile up. No exaggeration, this could have ended six or seven.
The third goal is the artistic moment of the night. Ângelo receives in midfield, takes on everything in front of him, beats four, five opponents, creates space and finishes with class. It’s not just technique, it’s confidence, it’s audacity. One of those goals that lifts the stadium.
Two minutes later, another combination inside the box and Ronaldo makes it 4-0. 964 in his career, 20th in the league. An absurdity that is a pleasure to watch.
An honest note and here it’s really opinion: I didn’t think Sadio Mané had a bad game, but he was once again the least impactful of the attacking quartet. While Coman, Ronaldo, Félix and even Ângelo were connected to the brilliance, Mané always seemed one tone below. He doesn’t compromise the team, but he doesn’t push it either.
And then there’s the detail that changes the weight of the night: Al Hilal draw. Al Nassr win. Al Nassr become leaders of the Saudi Pro League.
Post-match
Clear win, no controversy and no debate. But more than the 4-0, what impresses is the consistency. It’s now 10 straight wins, 8 straight clean sheets and another good performance.
There is individual quality to solve easier games, but we already knew that. The question was whether the team would maintain focus and intensity in a “must-win” game. They did.
Cristiano continues to be the symbol and competitive engine, Félix with immense quality and big performances from Coman and Ângelo.
It wasn’t just a normal win against an inferior opponent. It was a statement at a key moment of the season. Al Nassr win and officially become leaders of the Saudi Pro League, as Al Hilal drew against Al Ittihad.