In the 7th round of the Saudi League, Al Nassr won against Al Ahli 4-3. Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson Talisca led the charge.
Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco’s calls stirred debate.
The victory is crucial for the Luis Castro-managed Al Nassr. After a rocky start, the team is gaining momentum.
This win is their fifth in a row, bringing them to 15 points. Now, they’re closing the gap on league leader Al Ittihad, who has 18.
On the other hand, it’s a setback for Al Ahli. Managed by Roberto Firmino, they also have 15 points but now slide to the 6th spot.
They were overtaken by their recent competitors.
The match started quickly. Within four minutes, Ronaldo scored for Al Nassr after receiving an assist from Mané.
Next, Talisca widened the lead at 17 minutes. Kessié scored for Al Ahli, but Talisca struck again to dash hopes.
After halftime, Mahrez pulled one back for Al Ahli via penalty. Nevertheless, Ronaldo swiftly added another, restoring the two-goal advantage.
Al Nassr controlled the pace. They fended off late efforts from Al Ahli, who did manage a late goal.
So, Al Nassr hangs on for their fifth consecutive triumph. In terms of points, both teams now have 15. Yet, Al Nassr climbs in the standings, while Al Ahli falls behind.
Saudi Standings:
Al Nassr: 5th, 15 points
Al Ahli: 6th, 15 points
Background
The match has implications beyond just points. Al Nassr’s momentum is now undeniable, making them contenders for the title.
With Ronaldo and Talisca in prime form, their attacking strength becomes a real asset. This win may act as a catalyst, instilling confidence and unity in the team.
For Al Ahli, the loss triggers questions about their defensive tactics.
This game also adds pressure on manager Roberto Firmino, whose team failed to secure crucial points.
The late goal they conceded suggests lapses in concentration that need immediate attention.
Both teams are now neck-and-neck in points, but their future outlooks seem divergent.
While Al Nassr looks to continue their climb, Al Ahli will need to regroup quickly. They face the danger of sliding further down the table if they don’t address their issues.
Another talking point is the controversial officiating. Although referees are human and can err, the spotlight on Daronco’s decisions is unavoidable.
As both teams move forward, the influence of referees on a match’s outcome is a point of concern that both clubs and league officials should consider.