RIYADH: Al-Nassr beat Damac 2-1 on Matchday 17 of the Saudi Pro League to keep their title hopes within reach. With Al-Hilal yet to play this round — they face Al-Fayha on Thursday — Cristiano Ronaldo’s side sit temporarily four points behind their rivals.
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Al-Nassr started the match at a rapid pace. Jorge Jesus saw how Damac, despite winning just once in 15 games this campaign, proved difficult for Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad this past month. Shutting them down with an early goal was pivotal for the visitors.
Abdulrahman Ghareeb, getting his first start of the season after scoring the winner against Al-Shabab four days prior, followed up on his performance with an early goal. After receiving the ball from a cut-back in the fifth minute, he struck past Damac goalkeeper Kewin to give Al-Nassr the lead.
Ronaldo almost followed up with a second minutes later. João Félix delivered an exquisite trivela cross that was met expertly by the Portuguese talisman, only for Kewin to palm the ball away for the corner.
