Heartbreak in Al-Hasa: Al Nassr’s Season Ends With Defeat
The 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season concluded with dramatic fashion as Al Nassr suffered a 2-1 defeat against Al Fateh at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium on May 31, 2025, despite a trademark goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. The result saw Al Nassr finish [position] in the standings, while Al Fateh secured [their position] in what proved to be a thrilling final matchday encounter.
Match Details
- Date: May 31, 2025
- Venue: Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium, Al-Hasa
- Attendance: 18,753 (94% capacity)
- Final Score: Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
- Ronaldo’s Goal: 72nd minute (his 35th league goal of season)
- Season Finish: Al Nassr – 2nd (78 pts) | Al Fateh – 5th (62 pts)
First Half: Al Fateh’s Dominant Start (0-1)
The home side came out with incredible intensity, knowing a win could secure continental qualification. Their pressure paid dividends in the 23rd minute when Lucas Zelarayán curled a magnificent free-kick past David Ospina from 25 yards out.
Key first half moments:
- 7′: Ronaldo’s header cleared off the line by Marwane Saadane
- 15′: Talisca’s long-range effort rattled the crossbar
- 23′: GOAL – Zelarayán’s stunning free-kick (1-0)
- 37′: Ospina makes crucial save against Djaniny’s close-range effort
Al Nassr struggled to find rhythm, completing just 68% of passes in the first 45 minutes compared to Al Fateh’s 82%.
Second Half: Ronaldo Responds But Al Fateh Strike Again (1-2)
The second half began with Al Nassr showing more urgency. Their persistence was rewarded in the 72nd minute when Cristiano Ronaldo rose highest to power home a header from Marcelo Brozović’s pinpoint cross.
However, the joy was short-lived. Just 6 minutes later, substitute Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi restored Al Fateh’s lead with a clinical finish after a defensive mix-up between Al Nassr’s center-backs.
Critical second half events:
- 51′: Sadio Mané’s goal disallowed for offside
- 63′: Al Nassr triple substitution (Otávio, Ghareeb, Fofana on)
- 72′: GOAL – Ronaldo’s towering header (1-1)
- 78′: GOAL – Al Kuwaykibi’s winner (2-1)
- 89′: Ronaldo’s free-kick hits the post
Tactical Analysis
Al Fateh’s Winning Formula
- High Press: Consistently disrupted Al Nassr’s buildup play
- Wing Play: Targeted Al Nassr’s fullbacks, creating 14 crosses
- Set-Piece Focus: Scored from free-kick and won 7 corners
Al Nassr’s Struggles
- Midfield Imbalance: Brozović isolated against Al Fateh’s trio
- Defensive Lapses: Poor communication on second goal
- Overreliance on Ronaldo: 45% of attacks funneled through left wing
Player Ratings
Al Nassr
- Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10): Scored, hit post, 5 shots on target
- Marcelo Brozović (6.5/10): Assist but overrun in midfield
- David Ospina (5/10): Could’ve done better on both goals
Al Fateh
- Lucas Zelarayán (9/10): Goal, 3 key passes, MOTM
- Marwane Saadane (8/10): 9 clearances, goal-line clearance
- Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi (7.5/10): Impact sub with winner
Season Implications
For Al Nassr:
- Finish 2nd (78 pts), 6 points behind champions Al Hilal
- Ronaldo wins Golden Boot (35 goals)
- AFC Champions League qualification secured
For Al Fateh:
- Finish 5th (62 pts), best season since 2012-13
- Zelarayán finishes with 12 goals, 15 assists
- Miss out on continental football by 2 points
Post-Match Reactions
Luis Castro (Al Nassr manager):
“We didn’t deserve to lose today. Small details decided the match. Proud of our season but we must improve for next year.”
Cristiano Ronaldo:
“Football gives and takes. Happy for my goals but disappointed with the result. We’ll come back stronger.”
Slaven Bilić (Al Fateh manager):
“Fantastic performance against one of the best teams in Asia. Our players showed incredible character.”
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Al Fateh | Al Nassr |
| Possession | 42% | 58% |
| Shots | 14 | 19 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 7 |
| Corners | 7 | 5 |
| Fouls | 16 | 12 |
| Pass Accuracy | 81% | 86% |
Season Final Standings (Top 5)
- Al Hilal – 84 pts (Champions)
- Al Nassr – 78 pts
- Al Ahli – 70 pts
- Al Ittihad – 65 pts
- Al Fateh – 62 pts
Looking Ahead
For Al Nassr:
- Summer rebuild expected
- Rumors of defensive reinforcements
- Pre-season tour planned in Europe
For Al Fateh:
- Aim to keep core squad together
- Potential interest in Zelarayán from Europe
- Stadium expansion plans announced
Final Thoughts
While Ronaldo added another spectacular goal to his record-breaking season, Al Nassr’s defensive frailties were exposed once again. The match served as a microcosm of their campaign – brilliant in attack but vulnerable at the back. Al Fateh’s victory capped off their most successful season in over a decade, proving the growing competitiveness of Saudi football.
Final Score: Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
Goals: Zelarayán (23′), Ronaldo (72′), Al Kuwaykibi (78′)
Man of the Match: Lucas Zelarayán (Al Fateh)
Also Read: https://indiatadkha.com/19976-2-england-women-vs-west-indies-women/
| Last updated: [27/05/2025]
Sourashis Chanda brings readers their unique perspective on Business, Economy, Health and Fitness. With a background in Health and Physical Fitness of 2years, I am dedicated to exploring [what they aim to achieve with their writing, on the sustainable Economy of the country, various pro tips about business, latest goverment news, with some tips in health are and Fitness.
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
