Friday night’s Saudi Pro League showdown between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad lived up to its billing as one of the league’s headline fixtures. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané lining up against Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, the match had star power written all over it — and it didn’t take long for the sparks to fly.
Just nine minutes into the game, Sadio Mané broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. After a clever attacking sequence, the Senegalese forward unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that rocketed into the back of the net, leaving the Al-Ittihad defense frozen and the stadium stunned. It was a moment of pure brilliance — the kind of individual spark that only Mané can produce.
From that point onward, Al-Nassr took full control of the contest.
Cristiano Ronaldo — ever the leader — fed off Mané’s early energy, orchestrating attacks and keeping the pressure high on Benzema’s side. Al-Ittihad struggled to find a rhythm and managed only two shots on target throughout the match, both comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Bento.
Then came the knockout blow.
In the second half, Mané turned provider, slipping a well-timed pass into the path of Ronaldo, who calmly converted to make it 2–0. The goal not only sealed the victory but also lifted Ronaldo to second place in the league’s scoring chart.
Al-Nassr Go Top — Al-Ittihad Suffer First Defeat
The win marked Al-Nassr’s fourth consecutive league victory, extending their flawless start to the season and sending them three points clear at the top of the standings. For Al-Ittihad, it was their first loss of the campaign — and a harsh reminder of just how dangerous this Al-Nassr side can be when Mané and Ronaldo are in full flow.
Mané scores. Ronaldo scores. Al-Ittihad silenced.
A dominant performance, a historic goal, and a statement win in one of Saudi football’s biggest rivalries.
