Without Ronaldo, Al-Nassr Falter in AFC Champions League Loss to Al-Sadd
Al-Nassr began their match against Al-Sadd at Al-Awwal Stadium with high intensity despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Saudi side had several early chances to take the lead. In the 17th minute, Anderson Talisca found himself free on goal but was unlucky as his shot rattled the goalpost. Moments later, Sadio Mane missed a diving header from inside the six-yard box following a brilliant cross from Talisca.
Al-Sadd, however, was not without its own opportunities. A misplaced pass by Al-Nassr's Marcelo Brozovic allowed Cristo Gonzalez to break free on goal. Fortunately for Al-Nassr, goalkeeper Bento was alert and made a crucial save to deny the visitors an early lead.
The second half saw Al-Sadd grow in confidence, gradually asserting themselves more in the game. While Al-Nassr continued to press forward in search of the opening goal, Al-Sadd capitalized on a well-executed long ball from Gonzalez. The pass found Akram Afif, who calmly slotted the ball past Bento, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.
In response, Al-Nassr manager Pioli made a series of attacking substitutions, hoping to turn the game in their favor. His aggressive approach paid off in the 80th minute when a cross from Wesley was inadvertently poked into his own net by former Wolves defender Romain Saiss, leveling the score at 1-1.
However, Al-Nassr’s decision to go all-out in attack left them vulnerable in the dying moments of the match. In injury time, Mohammed Al-Fatil made a crucial mistake, bringing down Adam Ounas inside the penalty area as he tried to prevent a counter-attack. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, and Ounas stepped up to calmly convert, giving Al-Sadd a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Despite their efforts and late equalizer, Al-Nassr’s attacking gamble ultimately cost them, as Al-Sadd capitalized on their defensive lapses to secure the win in the final moments of the match.
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