Al-Nassr asserted their dominance against Al-Wehda at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium in Mecca on Saturday, November 11th, clinching a 3-1 victory.
The Knights of Najd solidified their impressive away record in the Saudi Pro League with goals from Alex Telles, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Abdulelah Al Amri.
Under the management of Luis Castro, Al-Nassr sought revenge for their previous season’s heartbreak in the Saudi King’s Cup semifinal against the same opponent. Their intent for payback was evident from the start.
The breakthrough occurred swiftly in the 11th minute, with Alex Telles, the former Manchester United left-back, surprising everyone by scoring a remarkable free-kick. This goal marked Telles’ debut in the Saudi League.
Telles’ goal sparked a resurgence for the visiting team, and Ronaldo came close to expanding their lead with a powerful free-kick that tested Al Wehda goalkeeper Munir just after the half-hour mark.
Unfazed, Al-Nassr secured their second goal through an unexpected source when Saudi defender Al Amri found the net with a forceful header, skillfully set up by Marcelo Brozovic in the 39th minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the top scorer in the Saudi top flight, added his name to the scoresheet for the second consecutive game. He capitalized on a defensive error by Al Wehda, slotting the ball home five minutes into the second half.
Even though Anderson Talisca’s goal celebration in the 62nd minute was interrupted by a VAR review, the impactful performance of the Brazilian attacker did not change the final result.
In the closing moments, veteran midfielder Anselmo managed to score for Al Wehda, but it ultimately had no bearing on the outcome as the Arab Cup champions stood firm, securing a 3-1 triumph.
This win guarantees that the Knights of Najd stay four points behind the league leaders, Al-Hilal, as they enter the final international break of the calendar year.