When you think “al‑nassr vs al‑ittihad,” you expect fireworks—and that’s exactly what unfolded on May 7, 2025. In front of a packed Al‑Awwal Park, Cristiano Ronaldo’s men raced to a 2‑0 half‑time advantage, only to be outclassed in the second half by a relentless Al‑Ittihad. This blog post dives deep into the turning points, key performances, tactical tweaks, and what this stunning 3‑2 comeback means for both clubs as the title race heats up.
Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad: Match Overview
- Date & Venue: May 7, 2025, Al‑Awwal Park, Riyadh
- Final Score: Al‑Nassr 2–3 Al‑Ittihad
- Attendance: Sold‑out crowd of over 60,000 passionate fans
- Significance: The loss leaves Al‑Nassr languishing in fourth (60 points), effectively ending their title challenge and jeopardizing Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Al‑Ittihad surged to 71 points, six clear at the top with four matches remaining.
First Half Analysis
Sadio Mané’s Lightning Start
- 3rd Minute Goal: Senegalese striker Sadio Mané latched onto a cutback and drilled a low shot past Al‑Ittihad’s keeper, sending the home crowd into raptures.
- 37th Minute Assist: Mané then orchestrated Al‑Nassr’s second, bursting down the right flank and teeing up Ayman Yahya. Although the ball glanced off Mané’s arm, VAR upheld the goal, making it 2‑0 to the hosts.
Key Stats (First Half):
- Possession: Al‑Nassr 55% – Al‑Ittihad 45%
- Chances Created: Al‑Nassr 4 – Al‑Ittihad 3
- Shots on Target: Al‑Nassr 3 – Al‑Ittihad 1
The early dominance suggested Ronaldo’s side would control proceedings, but Al‑Ittihad’s resilience loomed large.
Second Half Comeback
Karim Benzema Sets the Tone
- 49th Minute Header: Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema connected with a corner, nodding home to make it 2‑1 and ignite the visitors’ comeback.
N’Golo Kanté’s Swift Equalizer
- Counter‑Attack Goal: Minutes later, Kanté capitalized on a quick turnover, driving through midfield and coolly slotting past the goalkeeper to level at 2‑2.
Aouar’s Stoppage‑Time Heroics
- 94th Minute Winner: In the dying seconds, Moussa Diaby’s cross found Houssem Aouar, whose close‑range finish sealed a remarkable 3‑2 victory and sent the travelling Al‑Ittihad fans into delirium.
Turning Points:
- Blanc’s second‑half tactical switch from 4‑3‑3 to a compact 4‑4‑2 pressed Al‑Nassr into mistakes.
- The introduction of Moussa Diaby provided the decisive assist for the winner.
Player Performances & Ronaldo’s Reaction
Cristiano Ronaldo
- Frustration on Display: The five‑time Ballon d’Or winner was visibly irked, making a ‘wake up’ gesture toward teammates after the final whistle.
- Season Tally: Despite the setback, Ronaldo has scored 33 goals in all competitions this season, inching closer to his 100th for the club.
Standouts for Al-Ittihad
- Karim Benzema: 1 goal, his 17th in the league, showcasing his aerial prowess.
- N’Golo Kanté: 1 goal, instrumental in midfield control late in the game.
- Houssem Aouar: Match‑winner and named man of the match for his late heroics.
Tactical Breakdown
Al-Nassr’s Early Control
- Relied on high press and quick transitions; effective in the first 40 minutes.
- Vulnerability exposed in wide areas once fatigue set in, with full‑backs struggling to track overlapping runs.
Al-Ittihad’s Adjustments
- Formation Shift: Switched to 4‑4‑2 after conceding, adding an extra midfielder to disrupt Al‑Nassr’s rhythm.
- Pressing Triggers: Targeted Mané’s turnovers to launch rapid counter‑attacks.
Coach Insights
- Laurent Blanc’s Pragmatism: Utilized experience to calm players and change shape swiftly.
- Fabio Cannavaro’s Challenge: Must reassess defensive organization and game management under pressure.
Implications for the Title Race
- Al-Ittihad (71 points): Now six clear of Al‑Hilal with four matches left; a domestic double is well within reach.
- Al-Nassr (60 points): Fourth and effectively out of title contention; their focus shifts to securing continental qualification spots.
FAQs about al-nassr vs al-ittihad
Q1: Who scored for Al‑Nassr in the first half?
A1: Sadio Mané opened the scoring in the 3rd minute and provided the assist for Ayman Yahya’s 37th‑minute goal.
Q2: How did Al‑Ittihad complete their comeback?
A2: Goals from Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and a stoppage‑time strike by Houssem Aouar overturned the 2‑0 deficit.
Q3: What does the result mean for Al‑Nassr?
A3: They drop to fourth with 60 points, falling 11 behind the leaders and jeopardizing both title hopes and continental qualification.
What’s Next? Upcoming Fixtures
- Al‑Nassr vs Al‑Okhdood – May 12, 2025: A must‑win to restore confidence.
- Al‑Nassr vs Al‑Taawoun – May 16, 2025: Another home fixture to stabilize their league position.
- Al‑Ittihad vs Al‑Ahli – May 11, 2025: A potential title‑clincher in the King Cup Final.
Conclusion
The “al‑nassr vs al‑ittihad” clash on May 7, 2025, will be remembered for Al‑Ittihad’s remarkable resilience and Al‑Nassr’s rare collapse. With key performances from Benzema, Kanté, and Aouar, Blanc’s side took a giant stride toward the title, while Cannavaro’s men face an uphill battle to salvage their season. You’ve seen the goals, tactical shifts, and what lies ahead—now share your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more deep dives on the 2025 Saudi Pro League!
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