Ronaldo and Mane goals help hosts survive scare against strugglers

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Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goals of 2025 gave Al-Nassr an unconvincing 3-1 comeback win at home to Al-Akhdoud as both sides returned to action following the winter break in the Saudi Pro League.

Starting 13 points below their opponents and two clear of safety, the visitors capitalised on calamitous defending to take a sixth-minute lead through Nigerian winger Saviour Godwin at Riyadh’s Al-Awwal Park.

Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool forward Mane equalised in the 29th minute after Sultan Al-Ghannam’s header lead to a goalline scramble, and Ronaldo slotted Al-Nassr in front from the penalty spot 13 minutes later after the Senegal icon was fouled by Jamaica defender Damion Lowe.

Mane met Al-Ghannam’s inviting cross from the right with an expert header to seal victory two minutes from the end of a second half in which the underdogs pushed for an equaliser.

The result ended Al-Nassr’s run of two consecutive defeats in all competitions and lifted them to third, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad and six behind Al-Hilal, both of whom have a game more to play.

Al-Nassr return to winning ways

Victory was all-important for Al-Nassr following their 2-1 defeat at Al-Ittihad on December 6, but this was another uncomfortable evening for one of the most well-resourced clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Having finished a point above the relegation zone last season, there was arguably more to be encouraged by for their Najran-based opponents, who kept the contest in the balance until Mane’s second.

Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte was one of the players culpable for the opening goal and the Spain international was perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch shortly afterwards, when he appeared to lash out at Godwin.

Two-time African Footballer of the Year Mane had a goal ruled out by a Video Assistant Referee check, and Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Paulo Vitor after breaking clear just before half-time.

Al-Nassr schedule

With Al-Hilal away to 13th-placed Al-Orobah and Al-Ittihad visiting second-bottom Al-Feiha on Saturday, the chances of Al-Nassr gaining ground on the top two this week is slim – but they cannot afford to drop more points if they are to have any chance of a late surge for the title.

Mane’s first goals in eight club and international matches were welcome, as was Ronaldo’s fifth in four league matches, putting him one behind Saudi top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, of Al-Hilal.

Al-Nassr are next in action on January 17 (5pm GMT) at Al-Taawoun, who are currently ninth after winning five and losing five of their first 13 league games.




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