Al-Nassr claimed a crucial 1-0 away win over Al Riyad, with Sadio Mané’s first-half goal proving enough to separate the teams in a match that went without Cristiano Ronaldo.
The hosts got off to an energetic start and were the first to threaten within the opening ten minutes. A set-piece routine almost surprised Al-Nassr when Sergio Gonzalez responded to Toze’s delivery with a left-footed effort that hit the crossbar, providing an early warning to the visitors.
Joao Felix played a central role in much of Al-Nassr’s attacking play during the first half, repeatedly finding space between the lines. He tested Milan Borjan twice from distance, although both efforts were comfortably saved. Sadio Mané also had a first glimpse of goal after a corner, but his attempt from close range drifted narrowly wide.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute following Al-Nassr’s smoothest move of the half. Félix sent a well-measured ball into the penalty area, splitting the Al Riyadh defense.
Mane timed his run well, took the ball in stride and finished low into the bottom left corner with his right foot.
Al Riyadh tried to respond before the break, pushing bodies forward and continuing to look dangerous from wide areas, but they went into the break a goal behind.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Al Riyad applying pressure without creating a clear opening. They won a series of corners and advanced free kicks, but Al-Nassr’s defensive line held firm, with Mohamed Simakan and Iñigo Martinez handling the aerial deliveries. Borjan’s opponent was rarely tested, although Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Felix both missed opportunities to extend the lead on the counterattack.
Al-Nassr had the opportunity to put the match out of reach midway through the second half. Sultan Al Ghannam hit the post with a close-range header following a corner, while Mane saw a shot blocked after good work on the right. These failures kept Al Riyadh in contention and encouraged the hosts to sign more players.
The final stages were tense. Al Riyadh pushed men into the box and forced several late corners, including one deep into stoppage time.
A possible penalty call involving Mané was reviewed by VAR in the 97th minute, but no penalty was awarded, much to the relief of the visitors.
Despite Al Riyadh’s persistence, clear chances were limited, with Yoann Barbet’s late header drifting just wide in what was their closest effort after the break.
Al-Nassr handled the final moments carefully, using substitutions to slow the pace and protect their advantage.
