Match Report: Al Nassr 2-0 Al Khaleej (Saudi Pro League – May 24, 2024)
Match Summary
Cristiano Ronaldo converted a 79th-minute penalty to seal Al Nassr’s 2-0 victory over Al Khaleej in a crucial Saudi Pro League encounter at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh.
The win keeps Al Nassr firmly in the title race while denting Al Khaleej’s hopes of a top-four finish.
Match Statistics
| Metric | Al Nassr | Al Khaleej |
| Possession | 62% | 38% |
| Shots (On Target) | 18 (7) | 6 (2) |
| Corners | 8 | 3 |
| Fouls Committed | 12 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
Key Moments
First Half (0-0)
- 12′ – Ronaldo’s free kick hits the crossbar from 25 yards
- 23′ – Al Khaleej GK Marwan Al-Haidari makes double save from Ronaldo and Sadio Mané
- 37′ – Al Khaleej’s best chance: Fabio Martins’ header cleared off line by Aymeric Laporte
Second Half (2-0)
- 56′ – GOAL 1-0: Otávio opens scoring with low drive from edge of box
- 78′ – Penalty awarded after VAR review for handball by Al Khaleej’s Iago Santos
- 79′ – GOAL 2-0: Ronaldo converts penalty into bottom left corner (his 33rd goal this season)
- 87′ – Al Khaleej’s Mansor Hamzi sees red for second yellow card
Player Performances
Al Nassr
- Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10): Constant threat, 5 shots, 3 key passes, decisive penalty
- Otávio (8.5/10): Scored opener, 91% pass accuracy, MOTM performance
- Aymeric Laporte (7.5/10): 7 clearances, 1 goal-line clearance, rock in defense
Al Khaleej
- Marwan Al-Haidari (7/10): 5 saves, kept score respectable
- Fabio Martins (6/10): Created 2 chances, unlucky not to score
- Iago Santos (4/10): Conceded penalty, struggled against Ronaldo
Post-Match Reactions
Luis Castro (Al Nassr manager):
“We controlled the game but needed patience. Otávio’s goal opened the game and Cristiano’s penalty gave us security. Three important points in our objectives.”
Pedro Emanuel (Al Khaleej manager):
“The penalty decision changed everything. We were organized until then. Small details decide these matches against top teams.”
Cristiano Ronaldo:
“Happy for the goal but more important is the team victory. We continue fighting for every trophy available.”
League Implications
- Al Nassr moves to 2nd place with 72 points (3 behind Al Hilal with game in hand)
- Al Khaleej remains 7th with 43 points
- Ronaldo extends lead as Saudi Pro League top scorer (33 goals)
Where to Watch Highlights
- SSC Sports (Official broadcaster)
- Al Nassr TV (YouTube)
- DAZN (International)
Next Matches
- Al Nassr: vs Al Fateh (May 30) – King Cup semifinal
- Al Khaleej: vs Al Taawoun (May 28) – League match
Final Verdict: Ronaldo’s Leadership Seals Crucial Win for Al Nassr
Al Nassr’s 2-0 victory over Al Khaleej was a statement performance that showcased their title credentials in the Saudi Pro League. While the match remained competitive for large periods, Cristiano Ronaldo’s composure from the penalty spot ensured his team walked away with all three points.
Key Takeaways:
Ronaldo Delivers When It Matters – The Portuguese superstar once again proved why he’s the league’s most lethal finisher, calmly converting a crucial penalty to kill off Al Khaleej’s resistance.
Otávio’s Breakthrough Goal – The Brazilian midfielder’s 56th-minute strike broke the deadlock in a game where Al Nassr struggled to turn dominance into clear chances.
Defensive Solidity – Laporte & Co. kept a well-deserved clean sheet, with a crucial goal-line clearance preventing an equalizer.
VAR Drama – The penalty decision after a 79th-minute handball was contentious but ultimately decisive in securing the win.
Room for Improvement:
Wasteful in Attack – Despite 18 shots, Al Nassr only managed 7 on target, highlighting a need for more clinical finishing.
Midfield Creativity – While Otávio shined, the team still relies heavily on Ronaldo for inspiration in tight games.
What This Means for the Title Race
With this win, Al Nassr keeps pressure on Al Hilal, staying within 3 points with a game in hand. If they maintain this form, the title race could go down to the wire.
For Al Khaleej, the defeat dents their top-four hopes, but their defensive organization suggests they can still challenge for continental qualification.
Final Rating: Al Nassr’s Performance – 8/10
A professional, if not spectacular, display that gets the job done. Ronaldo’s leadership and Otávio’s midfield influence were the difference-makers.
Your Turn: Do you think Al Nassr can catch Al Hilal? Was the penalty decision fair? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Recommended Reads:
- Saudi Pro League Title Race: Updated Standings & Predictions ( https://www.forebet.com/en/football-tips-and-predictions-for-saudi-arabia/professional-league )
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.
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- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
