Al-Wehda vs. Al Nassr: Ronaldo’s Goal and Unselfish Gesture

Al Nassr secured a 2-0 victory against Al Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, a match marked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess and a display of team spirit. The game, initially delayed due to Al Nassr’s bus breaking down, saw Ronaldo score his 925th career goal and unselfishly give up a penalty opportunity to teammate Sadio Mane.

Match Details and Key Moments

The match between Al Wehda and Al Nassr experienced an hour delay. Despite the setback, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 48th minute, converting a cross from Angelo Gabriel with a header. Later, Al Nassr was awarded a penalty, but Ronaldo allowed Sadio Mane to take it, ending Mane’s nine-game goal drought.

Ronaldo’s Performance and Milestone

Ronaldo’s goal against Al Wehda was his 17th in the Saudi Pro League season, surpassing Karim Benzema in the race for the Golden Boot. This goal also marked his 925th career goal. Ronaldo had expressed his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals. In 2023 Ronaldo said he was set the challenge of reaching 1000 goals. ‘It will be quite difficult, but it is to see how I am mentally, my motivation. If, physically, my legs treat me as well as I treat them.’

Mane’s Penalty and Team Dynamics

Despite some initial disapproval from the fans, Ronaldo insisted on Mane taking the penalty. Mane successfully converted the penalty, securing Al Nassr’s 2-0 lead. After the match, Ronaldo was seen telling the fans to get behind the Senegalese forward.

Post-Match Comments and Apology

Ronaldo apologized for the team’s late arrival due to travel issues and acknowledged their slow start. However, he expressed satisfaction with their second-half performance and the two goals scored. He emphasized the need for Al Nassr to maintain a winning momentum.

League Standings and Future Prospects

Al Nassr’s victory was their 14th in the league, placing them third with 47 points, trailing Al Hilal and Al Qadisiyah. Earlier in the week, Al Nassr was coming off a crushing 3-2 loss to Al Ettifaq last Friday, conceding twice in the final eight minutes at Al-Awwal Park. The team’s focus is now on securing a top-three league finish and Champions League qualification.

Al Wehda’s Struggles

Al Wahda is currently facing a difficult situation, struggling at the bottom of the league standings with 13 points from 21 games. Al Wahda has suffered their fourth straight league defeat last Saturday, falling 1-0 to Al Kholood at Al Hazm Club Stadium.

Team Lineups and Absences

Al Nassr missed Jhon Duran due to suspension and Otavio due to injury. Al Wahda was without Nawaf Al-Azizi because of a cruciate ligament injury.