Al Nassr secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Damac in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The result narrows the gap with league leaders Al Hilal to just four points, keeping Al Nassr firmly in the title race.
The win came at a pivotal moment for Al Nassr, who are determined to maintain momentum in their championship push. Despite a late surge from Damac, the visitors held their composure to claim all three points. Cristiano Ronaldo once again stole the spotlight with a second-half strike, marking his 960th career goal in professional football.
Fast Start but Missed Opportunities
Al Nassr wasted little time establishing dominance, taking the lead inside the first five minutes. Kingsley Coman made an incisive run down the right flank before delivering a precise cutback to Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
Ghareeb controlled the ball expertly, eluding his marker, and calmly slotted it past the Damac goalkeeper. The early strike set the tone for Al Nassr, allowing them to dictate the pace of the match from the outset.
However, despite their dominance, Al Nassr failed to extend their lead before halftime. Joao Felix came close on two occasions, sending one shot over the crossbar and seeing another strike rebound off the post. Additionally, Al Nassr were denied a penalty after Abdelkader Bedrane appeared to handle the ball in the box, a decision that frustrated the visitors.
Damac Responds, Ronaldo Answers Back
Damac were not without threats in the first half. Riyadh Sharahili found the back of the net, only to be flagged offside, while goalkeeper Bento made two critical saves to keep Al Nassr in control.
Ronaldo endured a quiet opening 45 minutes but wasted no time making his mark after the break. A brilliant through ball from Joao Felix put the Portuguese forward in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Kewin.
Displaying his trademark composure, Ronaldo delicately lifted the ball over the keeper, doubling Al Nassr’s advantage. This goal was not only a moment of personal triumph but also etched his name further into football history as his 960th professional goal.
Damac Fight Back, Tense Finish
Damac reduced the deficit in the 68th minute. From a right-sided corner, Jamal Harkass rose unmarked to head the ball past Bento, reigniting hopes for a late comeback.
The remainder of the match saw Al Nassr under sustained pressure, with Damac pressing for an equalizer. Ronaldo briefly thought he had scored a second goal in the final 10 minutes, only for it to be ruled out due to offside.
Despite the late surge from Damac, Al Nassr’s defense held firm, ensuring that their two-goal cushion was enough to claim a valuable three points.
Joao Felix’s Crucial Contribution
While Ronaldo’s goal grabbed headlines, Joao Felix’s performance was equally influential in Al Nassr’s victory. The Portuguese playmaker consistently posed a threat with his intelligent movement and precise touches, creating space and opportunities for his teammates.
Felix’s brilliant trivela almost resulted in a goal and was directly involved in Ronaldo’s second, delivering the decisive assist. The chemistry between Felix and Ronaldo proved to be a key factor in the match and showcased Al Nassr’s attacking prowess.
Implications for the Title Race
The win ensures that Al Nassr remain hot on the heels of Al Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League. With just four points separating the two sides, every match becomes crucial in the hunt for the championship.
Ronaldo’s milestone goal adds another layer of significance to this victory, highlighting his continued impact and leadership on the field. Al Nassr will now look to build on this momentum in upcoming fixtures, with the title race still wide open.
Looking Ahead
Al Nassr’s next matches will test their resilience and consistency, but Thursday’s victory demonstrates their capacity to handle pressure and deliver results when it matters most. With Ronaldo in sublime form and Joao Felix orchestrating play, the team is well-equipped to challenge for the Saudi Pro League crown.
This win not only boosts Al Nassr’s confidence but also sends a clear message to Al Hilal and the rest of the league: the battle for the title is far from over.
ALSO READ :
