Al Nassr Cruise Past Al Okhdood Behind Ronaldo Double
Key Takeaways
- Al Nassr secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Al Okhdood at Al-Awwal Park
- Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice before João Félix sealed the comprehensive win late on
- Al Nassr dominated with 64.6% possession and launched 15 shots at goal
- The hosts controlled proceedings throughout, pinning Al Okhdood back for long stretches
KING FAHD INTERNATIONAL STADIUM, SAUDI ARABIA — Al Nassr delivered a dominant display at Al-Awwal Park, cruising to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Al Okhdood in Saudi Pro League action. Cristiano Ronaldo's clinical double and a late João Félix strike sealed three points as the hosts controlled proceedings from start to finish, monopolizing possession and creating chances at will throughout the contest.
Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, capitalizing on Al Okhdood's defensive disorganization to fire Al Nassr ahead. The Portuguese superstar showcased his predatory instincts, finding space inside the box before finishing with his trademark precision. The goal settled any early nerves and allowed Al Nassr to play with greater freedom. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ronaldo struck again in the 48th minute, doubling the advantage just before the interval. His second goal effectively killed the contest, leaving Al Okhdood facing an uphill battle after the break.
João Félix applied the finishing touch in the 94th minute, capping a comprehensive performance with Al Nassr's third goal. The late strike rewarded the hosts' sustained pressure and put an emphatic exclamation point on their superiority. Al Okhdood's frustration boiled over as Saleh Al-Harthi collected a yellow card in the 92nd minute, while Saeed Al-Rabiei had been cautioned earlier in the 61st minute.
Al Nassr dominated the ball with 64.6% possession, pinning Al Okhdood back for long stretches and dictating the tempo throughout. The hosts launched 15 shots at goal compared to Al Okhdood's meager 4 attempts, with Al Nassr managing 5 efforts on target to their opponents' 2. The corner count of 8-5 in Al Nassr's favor further illustrated their territorial advantage, though both goalkeepers were called upon to make 2 saves apiece. Al Nassr committed 13 fouls to Al Okhdood's 9 in a physical encounter that remained disciplined, with no red cards shown.
The turning point arrived with Ronaldo's first-half brace, particularly the stoppage-time strike that extinguished any hopes of an Al Okhdood comeback. Al Okhdood manager made tactical adjustments, withdrawing Blaz Kramer in the 40th minute in an attempt to stem the tide, but Al Nassr's quality proved overwhelming. Abdullah Al-Khaibari and Saad Al Nasser entered the fray in the 69th minute to help control the midfield, while Salem Al Najdi and Ali Al-Hassan came on in the 88th minute to see out the victory.
Looking ahead, Al Nassr will host Al Ettifaq on December 30, while Al Okhdood will host Damac on the same date.