Introduction – Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Nassr
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Nassr derby kicked off the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season, bringing together two of the Middle East’s strongest teams. Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the star of the match, heading in a pinpoint cross from Sadio Mané to secure a 2-0 victory for Al-Nassr. The result kept the visiting team’s record this season, with four wins in four matches.
The match also confirmed the growing rivalry between the Saudi clubs. Al-Ittihad had been enjoying strong results but struggled to break down Al-Nassr’s solid defense. On the other hand, Jorge Jesus’s men were clinical: they seized their opportunities and demonstrated superior organization and efficiency.
Context and preparation
Recent campaigns
Al -Nassr came into the game in high spirits, having won three consecutive league games, racking up nine points and demonstrating a high level of attacking prowess. The defense had just kept two clean sheets, demonstrating a balanced attack and defense.
Al -Ittihad , for its part, also had a promising start to the season. The team scored ten goals in the first three rounds and was one of the favorites for the title. However, defensive problems were beginning to worry: in each game, the team conceded space and suffered dangerous shots.
Expectations for the classic
The match was seen as a true test of strength for both teams. On one side, Ronaldo was looking to maintain his scoring streak. On the other, Al-Ittihad was counting on the support of their fans to withstand the pressure from their rivals. The absence of key players due to injury also increased uncertainty, especially for the home team.
First half – Al-Nassr dominates
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Nassr derby started at a high pace. Just 9 minutes in, Sadio Mané took advantage of Coman’s assist and opened the scoring with a precise shot. The early goal unsettled Al-Ittihad, who struggled to reorganize their defense.
From then on, Al-Nassr controlled the midfield. The Ronaldo-Mané duo demonstrated excellent synergy, alternating deep runs with quick triangulations. Al-Ittihad even attempted to respond with counterattacks, but were thwarted by their opponent’s strong marking.
In the 35th minute, the second blow came: after a move down the right, Mané crossed, and Cristiano Ronaldo rose higher than the defenders to head home the second goal. It was CR7’s fourth goal of the season, reinforcing his importance and decisiveness in big matches.
Second half – Al-Ittihad pressure and Al-Nassr defensive security
After the break, Al-Ittihad tried to assert itself. The home team increased possession, pressed down the flanks, and consistently sent crosses into the box. Despite their more aggressive approach, the attack produced few clear-cut chances.
Al -Nassr retreated but maintained tactical discipline. Goalkeeper Bento made important saves, providing confidence in moments of high pressure. Ronaldo, meanwhile, created a clear opportunity in the 65th minute, but was denied by the opposing goalkeeper.
In the final minutes, Al-Ittihad launched its attack, but the visiting defense held firm. The final whistle confirmed another solid victory for Al-Nassr, who demonstrated not only offensive strength but also defensive solidity.
Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr Stats
| Statistic | Al-Ittihad | Al-Nassr |
|---|---|---|
| Total completions | 8 | 19 |
| Finishes on target | 2 | 3 |
| Ball possession | 55% | 45% |
| Corners | 3 | 6 |
| Fouls committed | 13 | 14 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 0 |
| Goals | 0 | 2 |
The numbers confirm Al-Nassr’s dominance. Even with less possession, the visiting team was more aggressive, creating twice as many chances, and capitalizing on their opportunities better.
Individual highlights
- Cristiano Ronaldo – Decisive once again, he scored his fourth goal in the league and showed that he is still the team’s protagonist.
- Sadio Mané – He was directly involved in both goals, scoring one and providing an assist.
- Bento – Safe in goal, he made important saves in the second half and kept the team clean sheet.
- Kingsley Coman – Responsible for the cross for the first goal, he brought speed and width to the attack.
Impact on the table and repercussions
With the result, Al-Nassr reached 12 points from four games and took sole leadership of the Saudi Pro League. The team maintains a 100% record and is enjoying its best start to a season in recent years.
Al-Ittihad, which started the round with the same number of points, suffered its first defeat and dropped to third place. The team now needs to react quickly to avoid losing touch with the leader.
On social media, Al-Nassr fans celebrated the victory and praised Ronaldo and Mané as the main players responsible for the triumph. Al-Ittihad’s criticism focused on the defense, which again showed weaknesses in aerial possession.
Conclusion – Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Nassr derby confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo’s team’s excellent form. With an efficient attack and a solid defense, Al-Nassr shows the strength to challenge for the Saudi Pro League title. The chemistry between Ronaldo and Mané is the team’s greatest asset and promises plenty of joy for the fans.
Al-Ittihad, despite the loss, remains a strong contender, but needs to address defensive issues and improve its finishing. The championship is just beginning, and there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
FAQ – Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr
1. Who scored the goals in the match?
Sadio Mané opened the scoring and Cristiano Ronaldo extended the lead for Al-Nassr.
2. What was the final score of Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Nassr?
The game ended 2-0 to Al-Nassr.
3. How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored this season?
After the Clásico, Ronaldo reached 4 goals in 4 league games.
4. Where was the game played?
At King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
5. What’s the impact on the table?
Al-Nassr has taken sole control of the league, while Al-Ittihad has dropped to third place.
6. Who were the standout players of the game?
Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Bento for Al-Nassr; Coman also shone with an assist.
7. How was Al-Ittihad’s performance?
Despite having the majority of possession, the team failed to convert its dominance into clear chances and suffered from defensive lapses.
