The Oldest consumed the younger in a seven-goal thriller in Riyadh also, with third-section Al-Jeel eventually edging out second-level Al-Shoulla 4-3 after extra-time to become this year’s first giant-killers. Al-Nassr netted a last-gasp winner from Boushal to record their first victory without their marquee summer signing Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested for the match, in stoppage time against Al-Wehdah at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo, although absent from the match, sent a heartfelt message to his team-mates, congratulating them on their hard-fought victory. This victory sees Al-Nassr advance to the next round of the prestigious tournament, keeping their hopes alive for a deep run in the competition.
A Tactical Battle Between Al-Hazm and Al-Nassr
The match was a display of tactical intelligence from both sides, with Al-Hazm starting the game with a compact defense aimed at frustrating the attack-heavy Al-Nassr. Despite Al-Nassr’s dominance in possession, Al-Hazm’s backline stood firm, absorbing pressure and launching counter-attacks whenever possible.
Al-Nassr, under coach Luis Castro, struggled to break through Al-Hazm’s defensive setup for the majority of the first half. The absence of Ronaldo was felt in their attacking build-up, as the team lacked the Portuguese talisman’s signature flair and finishing prowess.
Al-Hazm Draws First Blood
Al-Hazm opened the scoring on a counter-attack in the 40th minute. Midfielder Fahad Al-Muwallad raced down the right flank and provided a pin-point cross for striker Faisal Al-Ghamdi, who calmly deposited the ball in Al-Nassr’s goal guarded by Nawaf Al-Aqidi. Al-Nassr was caught off guard by the goal and Al-Hazm used their momentum to close out the first half 1-0 up.
Al-Nassr’s Comeback Begins
Heading into the second half, Al-Nassr came out with renewed urgency, determined to overturn the deficit. The team’s midfield, led by the creative Talisca and the industrious Luiz Gustavo, began to control the tempo, forcing Al-Hazm to retreat into a deeper defensive position.
In the 60th minute, Al-Nassr’s efforts were rewarded. After a string of precise passes on the edge of Al-Hazm’s penalty area, Sultan Al-Ghannam sent a curling cross into the box. Mohammed Maran, rising highest, met the ball with a powerful header to equalize for Al-Nassr. The goal energized the team, who now had 30 minutes to find the winning goal.
Late Drama: Boushal’s Stoppage-Time Winner
With the time running down, it appeared as if this one would go to extra time as both teams looked worn out. Not finished there though, Al-Nassr. The hero of the night would be substitute Ali Boushal in stoppage time. A swift break down the left wing saw Boushal cut inside two defenders and fire a low shot that just slid under the dive of the Al-Hazm goalkeeper, handing Al-Nassr a late 2-1 win.
The win sent Al-Nassr fans into jubilation, while Al-Hazm, who had fought valiantly, were left heartbroken. It was a tough defeat for Al-Hazm, but they could hold their heads high after a strong performance against one of Saudi Arabia’s top teams.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Message to His Team
After the match, Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to congratulate his team-mates, applauding their fighting spirit in his absence. Ronaldo’s message was one of unity and pride, expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to perform even without his presence on the field.
“Great job, team! Proud of the win and the determination you showed today. Let’s keep this momentum going,” Ronaldo shared on his Instagram story.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Al-Nassr’s Resilience Without Ronaldo: Despite missing their key player, Al-Nassr proved that they have the depth and quality to grind out results in crucial games. The victory highlights the strength of the squad and their ability to adapt to tough situations.
- Al-Hazm’s Defensive Strength: Al-Hazm put up a valiant defensive performance, holding Al-Nassr at bay for long stretches of the game. Their organized defense and counter-attacking strategy nearly worked, but they were undone by late-game heroics from Al-Nassr.
- Boushal’s Impact as a Super-Sub: Boushal’s stoppage-time winner showcased his composure and ability to make an impact off the bench. His goal secured the win and further emphasized the importance of squad rotation and depth in tournaments like the King Cup of Champions.
- Luis Castro’s Tactical Adaptation: Coach Luis Castro deserves credit for making the necessary adjustments in the second half. By introducing fresh legs and encouraging more aggressive play, he helped Al-Nassr turn the tide and secure a hard-fought win.
FAQs
Ali Boushal scored the winning goal in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory for Al-Nassr.
No, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for the match, but he sent a congratulatory message to his team-mates after the win.
Al-Nassr equalized through a header by Mohammed Maran in the 60th minute, and Ali Boushal scored the winner in stoppage time.
The final score was 2-1 in favor of Al-Nassr.
The match was played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Conclusion
The 2-1 win over Al-Hazm was a perfect example of that dosing yourself to resilience and depth on even the most notable name sidelines. Even in the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, they battled their way to retain it, sealed by a stoppage-time effort from Boushal. The team should be happy with the way the players adapted and found a way to fight back, though Al-Hazem will be left wondering what could have been after taking an early lead. Fans should be more confident about their chances in the competition as Al-Nassr moves forward, especially once Ronaldo returns.
