Al-Nassr defeated Al-Taawoun with a 1-0 victory in Saudi Professional Leaguewith That of Cristiano Ronaldo The team moved up to second place in the standings.
The hosts got off to an aggressive start and thought they had taken the lead within five minutes when Mohamed Simakan headed home from close range.
However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review, with Simakan deemed offside in the build-up. This early warning did not slow down Al-Nassr, who continued to advance thanks to Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman.
Ronaldo went close from open play early on, hitting the crossbar from inside the box after being spotted by Simakan.
Al-Taawoun, meanwhile, were largely limited to set-piece situations and isolated breaks, with Roger Martinez and Angelo Fulgini unable to build any sustained momentum in the final third.
Al-Nassr’s pressure finally showed itself shortly before half-time. In the 45th minute, a throw into the box caused confusion in the Al-Taawoun defense, and central defender Mohammed Al Dossary inadvertently headed the ball into his own net as he tried to clear.
The hosts could have extended their advantage before the break. Simakan came close again with a header from a corner, while Sadio Mane and Ronaldo both forced Mailson into saves as Al-Taawoun struggled to clear their lines.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Al Nassr controlled possession and continued to create openings, with Coman particularly influential on the left. Minutes after the restart, Coman tested Mailson twice in a row, first with a low shot, then with a header from a Sultan Al Ghanam cross. Mané then hit the post after a fast break involving Félix, nearly doubling the lead.
Despite sustained pressure, Al-Taawoun remained in the race. Mohammed Al Dossary headed a free-kick, while Roger Martinez tried his luck from distance, sending an effort high and wide.
As the match entered its final stages, Al-Nassr continued to search for a second goal to sort things out. Ronaldo saw several efforts blocked or saved, including a late chance on the left side of the area which Mailson handled comfortably.
Felix was also denied in stoppage time after cutting inside and shooting low towards the far corner.