RIYADH: It was far from a comfortable night for Al-Nassr as they came up against an Al-Taawoun side that has been one of the surprise packages of the season under Pericles Chamusca. Ultimately, an own goal by Mohammed Al-Dossary proved enough to secure all three points for the hosts.
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Al-Nassr started off in blistering fashion. Less than two minutes after kick-off, Cristiano Ronaldo rattled the crossbar with a volley after he was picked out by a long ball from Mohamed Simakan.
Moments later, the roles were reversed. Ronaldo delivered a floated free-kick over the back line, finding Simakan, who headed past Mailson, only for the assistant referee to raise his flag with the French defender marginally offside.
Fresh off leading Senegal to AFCON 2025 glory, Sadio Mané returned to the starting XI and immediately caused problems down the left flank. His combination play proved key, with a threaded pass in the 25th minute setting up Ronaldo for a dangerous chance that Mailson did well to beat away.
