In a dramatic showdown at Mrsool Park, Al Ittihad overturned a two-goal deficit to edge out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr 3-2, inching closer to the Saudi Pro League crown.
Al Nassr looked set to dominate when Sadio Mané fired a low shot into the net in the third minute, and Mané later teed up Ayman Yahya in the 37th minute. A VAR check ruled the goal valid despite a possible hand touch, leaving the visitors with a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
But Al Ittihad came out firing after the break. Just four minutes into the second half, Karim Benzema powered home a header, cutting the gap and shifting the momentum.
The comeback was complete when N’Golo Kanté capitalized on a swift counterattack, slotting home the equalizer and sending the traveling fans into raptures.
With stoppage time ticking away, Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar smashed in the winner from close range, following a pinpoint cross from Moussa Diaby. The late heroics secured a priceless 3-2 victory and moved Al Ittihad to 71 points—six clear at the top with four games left.
For Al Nassr, now fourth with 60 points, the loss is a major blow to their AFC Champions League Elite hopes. With Al Hilal and Al Ahli also in the mix, every match counts as the race for continental qualification and the domestic title heats up.
This epic comeback showcases the rising competitiveness and star power fueling the Saudi Pro League—a global stage where goals, drama and big-name talents collide.
As the Saudi Pro League attracts international audiences—fueled by streaming platforms and star signings—this showdown underscores why football fans and digital nomads alike are tuning in, from Riyadh to Rio.
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Al Ittihad battle back from two goals down to beat Ronaldo's Al Nassr
cgtn.com
