RIYADH: Al-Nassr’s perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season came to an end on Tuesday night as a late Georginio Wijnaldum goal earned Al-Ettifaq a thrilling 2-2 draw at a packed EGO Stadium in Dammam.
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Saad Al-Shehri’s side became the first team to take points off Jorge Jesus’ league leaders, halting Al-Nassr’s 11-game winning run in a match that swung repeatedly from the opening minutes.
The contest began with early controversy when Al-Nassr left-back Saad Al-Nasser was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Madallah Al-Olayan just six minutes in. Following a VAR review, the decision was overturned and reduced to a yellow card.
Al-Ettifaq seized the initiative and went close through Moussa Dembele before taking the lead in the 16th minute. Georginio Wijnaldum found space on the edge of the area and curled a precise finish into the far corner, rewarding the hosts’ early pressure.
