Al Nassr delivered a record-breaking performance in the Saudi Pro League, thrashing Al Akhdoud 9-0 in Riyadh. With Cristiano Ronaldo rested, it was Sadio Mané who stole the show, scoring four goals in a one-sided affair that sent shockwaves through the league.
The result is now Al Nassr’s biggest win ever in the Saudi top flight and keeps them firmly in the race for a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Elite.
Mane’s Magic: Four Goals and a Hat-Trick Hero
Sadio Mané put on a masterclass in finishing, showing just how dangerous Al Nassr can be even without their star forward.
Key performers:
- Sadio Mané: 4 goals, including his first Saudi Pro League hat-trick.
- Jhon Duran: Scored twice and played as the central striker in Ronaldo’s absence.
- Ayman Yahya, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mohammed Maran also chipped in with a goal each.
Timeline of goals:
- Ayman Yahya broke the deadlock in the 16th minute.
- Quick-fire goals from Duran and Brozovic made it 3-0 before half-time.
- Mané scored a penalty just before the break.
- Al Akhdoud’s goalkeeper was sent off early in the second half.
- Al Nassr added five more goals in a dominant final 45 minutes.
Mané’s total now stands at 13 league goals this season, and he proved he can be the main man when needed.
No Ronaldo, No Problem: A Statement Victory
Cristiano Ronaldo sat out the match due to muscle fatigue, as confirmed by coach Stefano Pioli, who said the 39-year-old was rested to avoid injury after back-to-back full matches.
But Al Nassr showed their depth:
- Controlled the game from start to finish.
- Took advantage of Al Akhdoud’s red card.
- Gave fringe players and backup attackers a chance to shine.
The win lifts Al Nassr to 63 points in 31 games, keeping them in third place, with a top-three finish essential for qualifying for next year’s continental competition.
What’s Next for Al Nassr?
With just three matches remaining, Al Nassr’s goal is clear: finish strong and secure their Champions League place.
Upcoming match:
- vs. Al-Taawoun on May 16
- Al-Taawoun sit 8th in the table
If this performance is anything to go by, Al Nassr are back in form—and whether Ronaldo returns or not, they look dangerous heading into the season’s final stretch.
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