It was a night filled with frustration and heart damage for Al-Nassr When they led one 3-2 defeat against al-atifaq in Saudi pro league– a result that can highlight the end of their title ambitions. Despite bragging with a squad packed with stars like Cristiano RonaldoThe Aymer Laporteand Marcelo BrozovicThe Riyadh-based side could not stick to their lead and saw their hopes crushed in the dying moment of the match.
However, the most controversial moment of the match came deep into stop time, when a surprising red card left al-Nassr roll-and Grouped an explosive reaction from their Portuguese talisman.
The match started with Al-Nassr Dominant possession but fails to take advantage of their chances. RAsaldo Come closest, tested Al-Atifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak on several occasions. Despite their press ended the first half speechless, with Al-Atifaq almost break the deadlock themselves, beat the post and force a double rescue from Bento In stop time.
The breakthrough came almost immediately after the restart when a cross from Sadioman declined Ayman Yahya’s Head and into the net – albeit with a touch of luck. Visitors responded quickly, with the former Liverpool midfielder, Georginio Wijnaldum rounding Bento To equalize after one was a review, a first offside call turned.
The home team regained the lead in 65th minute By Mohammed al-FatileWho went home from a free kick. But the defender’s night took a catastrophic turn when he accidentally transformed the ball into his own net in 82 minutesequalize the score again. Just as the match seemed intended for a draw, Wijnaldum struck again in 89 minutesFinish a quick counter -attack to secure the victory for Al-Atifaq.
Controversy with red card: Ronaldo drops its cool
Drama didn’t end there. IN 93 minutesThe Jhon Duran—Al-Nassr’s latest signing-became the center of attention after a short change with Abdullah Al Malki. With the game stopped brushed Duran lightly on the head Al Malki’s. However, Russian Judge Kirill Levnikov interpreted the gesture as aggression and immediately burned a straight red card.
That is why Duran was sent by.
The decision left Riyadh -Tfit stunned, but no more than Cristiano Ronaldo. Furiously with the conversation, Five-time Ballon d’Or Winner Confront the judge and demanded one was a review. When his protests were ignored the 40-year-old ventilated his frustration by kicks away the ball in anger. The visible upset of the future summarized the emotions in a team that saw its title hopes slip away.
Ronaldo’s reaction after flushing:
What this means for al-nassr’s title race
This defeat leaves Al-Nassr eight points behind league leaders Al-itihadled by My wifeand three points behind Qadisiyawhich sits in third place. With only two wins in their last five matches and consecutive backlash in the league, Stefano Pioli’s The site is now facing an upward struggle to catch up in Saudi Pro League Title race.
Defensive weaknesses continue to haunt the team. Despite the presence of Aymer Laportethe absence of his usual partner, Mohamed SimakanExposed weaknesses on the back. This instability proved to be costly, with al-fatil’s mistakes that directly contributed to Al-Atifaq CASE.
