Al Nassr maintained their pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title with a 3-0 victory over Al Kholood at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Friday night. Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Simakan, and Kingsley Coman ensured the "Knights of Najd" remain just three points behind league leaders Al Hilal.
After a frustrating first half where Al Kholood’s backline; and an early goal-line clearance, kept the score level, Al Nassr returned from the interval with renewed intensity.
The opener (48'): Joao Felix combined beautifully with Cristiano Ronaldo, providing the assist for the Portuguese icon to slot home a close-range tap-in.
The header (53'): Felix turned provider again just five minutes later, whipping in a corner that Mohamed Simakan met with a powerful near-post header to double the lead.
The red card: Al Kholood's hopes of a comeback were extinguished when captain Hattan Bahebri received a controversial straight red card for an alleged elbow on Simakan.
With Ronaldo substituted late in the game, Kingsley Coman took center stage. After winning a penalty in the closing stages following a foul by Solan, the French winger stepped up and coolly sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-0.
Al Hilal: 46 Points (18 Games)
Al Nassr: 43 Points (18 Games)
| Category | Al Nassr | Al Kholood |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 3 | 0 |
| Scorers | Ronaldo (48'), Simakan (53'), Coman (90+ P) | — |
| Assists | Joao Felix (2) | — |
| Possession | 64% | 36% |
| Discipline | — | 1 Red Card (Bahebri) |