Jorge Jesus’ team squanders a two-goal lead before sealing the victory.
Al Nassr trembled again, but this time they didn’t fall. In their home game against Al Shabab, in the 16th round of the Saudi League , Jorge Jesus’s team, featuring João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo, initially squandered a two-goal lead before securing a return to winning ways (3-2) at a stage where they were already playing with a numerical advantage.
The Canaries came out strong in the game. Haunted by three consecutive league defeats, they were already winning 2-0 before the first 10 minutes of the match had even elapsed.
First, Saad Balobaid scored an own goal (2m) after a good play between Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, and shortly afterwards Kingsley Coman extended the lead with a bicycle kick.
Despite a good start, Al Nassr was unable to hide the unease that has plagued them lately and, after a mistake by goalkeeper Bento that Ferreira Carrasco failed to capitalize on (20m), Al Shabab managed to reduce the deficit in the 31st minute, in a move where Carlos Júnior’s (ex-Santa Clara) action led to Mohamed Simakan’s own goal.
The equalizer wouldn’t take long. It came in the opening moments of the second half, scored by Carlos Júnior, who took advantage of a slip by Iñigo Martínez to break free and beat Bento.
The lost lead spurred Al Nassr on, who only failed to make it 3-2 in the 64th minute because Marcelo Grohe made a difficult save to deny Wesley.
Shortly after, Vincent Sierro was sent off (67th minute), which intensified the pressure from the home side, who eventually scored in the 76th minute through Abdulrahman Ghareeb, following up on an incomplete save by the Al Shabab goalkeeper. And so, they secured their return to winning ways in the league, four matchdays later.
In the remaining games this Saturday, Al Ahli narrowly won away at Al Kholood (1-0), thanks to a lucky goal by Ivan Toney (74th minute), and secured their fifth consecutive league victory, placing them second in the Saudi League, tied with Al Nassr. The pair now have 34 points, four less than leaders Al Hilal.
Also noteworthy is the draw (1-1) between Al Fayha, managed by Pedro Emanuel, and Damac, managed by Armando Evangelista. The goals were scored in the first half, by Fashion Sakala (26th minute, penalty) and Abdullah Al Qahtani (41st minute).
The two teams remain separated by three points in the standings, with Al Fayha holding the advantage with 14 points.