Al-Nassr strengthened their Saudi Pro League title push with a 2-0 win over Al-Ahli, decided late at Al-Awwal Park. Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, broke the deadlock with a 76th-minute header before Kingsley Coman struck in the 90th minute, sending Al-Nassr eight points ahead of Al-Hilal and 13 clear of Al-Ahli, who both hold a game in hand.

The result gave Jorge Jesus’ team a strong cushion in the table against direct rivals. Al-Awwal Park again proved a stronghold, as Al-Nassr limited Al-Ahli to very few clear openings. While the visitors threatened at times, Al-Nassr’s defensive organisation and efficient use of key moments shaped the contest more than long spells of pressure.

The first major scare for Al-Nassr arrived early, when Merih Demiral met a 13th-minute cross. The defender’s header seemed destined for the corner, yet Bento reacted quickly and diverted it wide. Soon after, Galeno tried a long-range effort, but Bento gathered comfortably as Al-Ahli searched for an early breakthrough.

Al-Ahli believed they had taken the lead soon after half-time when Riyad Mahrez finished a move inside the area. Celebrations stopped quickly, though, as the assistant’s flag went up for offside and the decision stood after checks. That moment proved a turning point, with Al-Nassr tightening control and growing calmer in possession.

Joao Felix played a central role throughout, especially from dead-ball situations. The forward first wasted a major opening, sending a first-time strike over the bar from a promising position. In the 68th minute, an in-swinging free-kick from Joao Felix narrowly missed both Ronaldo and Mohamed Simakan, flashing across goal without a final touch.

Al-Nassr finally broke through eight minutes later, again from Joao Felix’s delivery. Stationed in the area, Ronaldo met a teasing cross and flicked a precise header into the far corner, even with an Al-Ahli defender guarding the line. From that moment, Al-Nassr controlled the tempo, limiting Al-Ahli’s response and slowing the game.

Coman then sealed the victory on 90 minutes after Al-Ahli pushed forward. Aiman Yahya spotted space behind the defence and clipped an accurate pass through. Coman raced clear and struck powerfully at the near post, beating Edouard Mendy. That second goal removed any late tension and confirmed a significant result in the title race.

Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli Saudi Pro League data shows defensive control

The match figures underlined how cautious the game stayed for long spells. Al-Nassr produced seven shots for 0.54 expected goals, while Al-Ahli recorded four efforts worth 0.11 expected goals. Both sides created little from open play, yet Al-Nassr’s set-piece quality and structure without the ball made the decisive difference.

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Al-Nassr’s defensive record this season continued to stand out across the league. The clean sheet against Al-Ahli was Al-Nassr’s 17th in this Pro League campaign, their best single-season total. It was also their eighth home clean sheet of the season, another club high for one league campaign and a key factor in their title challenge.

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Joao Felix’s all-round attacking output contributed heavily to the outcome despite not scoring. The former Chelsea forward created three chances, more than any other player in the match. Joao Felix also produced two shots and attempted four dribbles, both team-high numbers, reflecting constant involvement in Al-Nassr’s most dangerous moments.

The result reinforced Al-Nassr’s strong position in the Saudi Pro League and highlighted the importance of defensive stability. With Ronaldo still deciding tight matches and support from players like Coman, Joao Felix and Aiman Yahya, Al-Nassr maintained control of the title race, while Al-Ahli faced a tougher route back into contention.