Jobaaj Stories
Al Akhdoud vs Al Nassr: A 9-0 Rout in the Saudi Pro League
Get ready for a recap of the thrilling (or rather, one-sided) Saudi Pro League clash between Al Akhdoud and Al Nassr! On Monday, May 11th, at the Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City, Al Nassr delivered a resounding 9-0 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess even without their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
A Star-Studded Lineup and a Crushing Defeat
Al Akhdoud's starting XI featured Vitor (GK), Asiri, Alyami, Lowe, Khamis, Pedroza, Musona, Hawsawi, Al-Zubaidi, and Godwin. They faced a formidable Al Nassr team including Bento (GK), Boushal, Al-Fatil, Alawjami, Al Ghanam, Brozovic, Sulaiheem, Otavio, Mane, Yahya, and Duran.
Despite Ronaldo's absence due to muscle fatigue, according to coach Stefano Pioli, Al Nassr dominated from the first whistle. The match was a showcase of offensive brilliance, with Sadio Mané stealing the show, scoring an impressive four goals – his first hat-trick in the Saudi Pro League. Jhon Duran added a brace, and other players contributed to the landslide victory, leaving Al Akhdoud utterly overwhelmed.
- Key Moments: The goals flowed freely for Al Nassr. Ayman Yahya opened the scoring in the 16th minute, followed quickly by Jhon Duran's first. Marcelo Brozovic added another before Sadio Mané converted a penalty before halftime. After the break, the dominance continued, with Duran completing his brace and Mané scoring three more stunning goals. Mohammed Maran sealed the deal with a late penalty.
- Ronaldo's Absence: Cristiano Ronaldo's absence fueled much pre-match speculation, but Al Nassr proved their strength in depth. Coach Pioli’s decision to rest the star player was a precautionary measure, ensuring he's fit for upcoming matches.
- League Standing: Al Nassr’s emphatic win propelled them to third place in the Saudi Pro League standings, though a top-two finish remains out of reach with just three games left.
Mané's Masterclass and Al Nassr's Record-Breaking Win
Sadio Mané's performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. His four goals were a testament to his skill and clinical finishing. This 9-0 victory also marked Al Nassr’s biggest win in the Saudi Pro League's history, surpassing their previous record of an 8-0 victory against Abha Club.
The match also saw Al Akhdoud's goalkeeper, Paulo Vitor, sent off after the break, further compounding their difficulties.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Future: Speculation and Reports
While the focus was on Al Nassr's dominant win, the ongoing speculation regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's future continues. Recent reports suggest a potential return to his boyhood club, Sporting CP, once his contract with Al Nassr expires. Although exciting, this remains unconfirmed news and only serves to highlight Ronaldo's incredible career trajectory.
Conclusion: A Dominant Display
The Al Akhdoud vs Al Nassr match was a resounding victory for Al Nassr, proving their ability to perform at a high level even without their star striker. Sadio Mané's exceptional display and the team's overall offensive power cemented a memorable win and a record-breaking scoreline in the Saudi Pro League. The match underscored Al Nassr's depth of talent and their continued pursuit of success in the league, despite the absence of their global superstar.
