Al-Ittihad came out on top against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr as the Saudi Pro League leaders won 2-1 at King Abdullah Sport City.
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Al-Ittihad win 2-1 against Al-NassrRonaldo's side 11 points off topBergwijn scores winner in injury timeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPTELL ME MORE
The top-of-the-table Saudi Pro League clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr had a slow start but the hosts seemed to have the upper hand with Karim Benzema almost scoring twice before the 20th minute. However, some heroics from Bento and an offside goal in the build-up meant the game was yet to have its first goal of the night.
Sadio Mane seemed to be the most potent forward for Al-Nassr as Ronaldo struggled to find his feet at King Abdullah Sport City. However, the Senegalese forward missed a key chance for Al-Nassr as he went one-on-one with Predrag Rajkovic and beat the keeper with a feint but failed to get a shot off.
The second half saw Al-Ittihad turn up the pressure and the Saudi Pro League leaders took the lead with Benzema scoring past Bento, but the lead did not last too long as Ronaldo latched onto a good cross into the box.
The game was turned on its head as Steven Bergwijn scored in injury time for Blanc's side to put Al-Nassr 11 points off the lead of the Saudi Pro League and put them fourth in the standings behind Al-Hilal and Al-Quadisiyah.
AdvertisementTHE MVP
Danilo Pereira was the best player on the field by far as the Al-Ittihad defender managed to pack up the backline for Laurent Blanc's side as Ronaldo remained quiet through the major parts of the clash. The game ended with the Al-Ittihad defender having three interceptions and one clearance off the line.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Stefano Pioli has not had the same kind of impact on Al-Nassr as the Saudi Pro League side would have hoped and his lack of ideas was apparent as Blanc's men dominated all the key statistics through the game.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Al-Nassr will be in action next when they take on Al-Akhdoud at Al-Awwal Park on January 9 after the end of the winter.
