The Saudi Pro League witnessed an exhilarating match as Al Nassr secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Al Wehda at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. This much-anticipated clash saw Cristiano Ronaldo making a triumphant return after his brief illness, marking his comeback with a goal and guiding his team to a dominant win.

First Half Highlights: Angelo Gabriel Strikes First

The match started with Al Nassr showcasing their attacking intent right from the get-go. The Knights of Najd were in control of possession, frequently pressuring the Al Wehda defense. The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Brazilian sensation Angelo Gabriel displayed his brilliant skills. With a burst of speed down the right wing, Gabriel sent a curling shot over the Al Wehda goalkeeper, giving Al Nassr a 1-0 lead. It was initially thought to be a cross, but his precise execution turned it into a stunning goal, leaving the Al Wehda defense and fans in awe.

Al Wehda had a chance to equalize just before halftime when Youssef Amyn attempted a right-footed curler, but his effort narrowly missed the target. With that, the first half concluded with Al Nassr holding a 1-0 advantage.

Second Half Highlights: Ronaldo Doubles the Lead

The second half began with Al Wehda attempting to come back into the game, but Al Nassr’s defense stood firm. In the 53rd minute, Al Nassr was awarded a penalty when Sultan Al-Ghannam was fouled inside the box. After a brief VAR check, the referee confirmed the decision, and Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick. The Portuguese superstar made no mistake, calmly converting the penalty in the 56th minute, scoring his 903rd career goal and giving Al Nassr a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Despite Al Wehda’s efforts to get back into the game, their night went from bad to worse when Waleed Bakshween received his second yellow card in the 86th minute, reducing the visitors to 10 men. This put an end to any hopes of a comeback for Al Wehda.

Key Moments

• Angelo Gabriel’s Goal (40′): The Brazilian youngster opened the scoring with a beautiful chip, setting the tone for Al Nassr’s dominance.
• Ronaldo’s Penalty (56′): Cristiano Ronaldo’s composed finish from the penalty spot doubled the lead, marking a successful return from illness.
• Red Card Incident (86′): Waleed Bakshween’s reckless challenge earned him a second yellow card, leaving Al Wehda with just 10 men on the field.

Al Nassr’s Standout Performers

• Cristiano Ronaldo: Returning from illness, Ronaldo showed why he is still a force to be reckoned with, contributing both in attack and defense, and his goal cemented Al Nassr’s victory.
• Angelo Gabriel: The young Brazilian displayed excellent technique and composure, causing constant trouble for Al Wehda’s defense with his pace and skill.
• Bento: The Al Nassr goalkeeper made crucial saves, especially early in the second half, ensuring his team maintained a clean sheet.

Al Wehda’s Struggles and Setbacks

Despite showing glimpses of promise, Al Wehda struggled to break through Al Nassr’s resolute defense. The team failed to capitalize on their limited opportunities, and the red card to Bakshween further diminished their chances of mounting a comeback.

Final Thoughts

This win marks Al Nassr’s third consecutive victory in the Saudi Pro League, showcasing the impact of newly appointed coach Stefano Pioli. With this result, Al Nassr moves up the table, while Al Wehda will need to regroup after another disappointing loss. Cristiano Ronaldo’s return has certainly bolstered Al Nassr’s attacking prowess, making them one of the most formidable teams in the league this season.

Final Score: Al Nassr 2-0 Al Wehda

Goals:

• Angelo Gabriel (40′)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (56′ – Penalty)

What’s Next?

Al Nassr will look to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign, while Al Wehda needs to address their defensive lapses and discipline issues if they hope to turn their season around.

For football fans worldwide, this match was a reminder of Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance and the potential of rising stars like Angelo Gabriel in the Saudi Pro League.