In a pulsating encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Al-Ahli pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over table-toppers Al-Nassr in Round 13 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. Played at the iconic King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on January 2, 2026, the match drew over 60,000 passionate supporters, creating an electric atmosphere befitting a title-defining clash. With Al-Nassr riding a wave of form led by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Joel Felix, Al-Ahli—sitting in fourth place—capitalized on home advantage and tactical nous to close the gap in the standings, despite missing key players Riyad Mahrez and Ferland Mendy due to international commitments.
Explosive First Half Sets the Tone
The game exploded into life early, with Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney emerging as the hero of the hour. Just seven minutes in, Toney latched onto a precise assist from Wenderson Galeno to fire home the opener, sending the home crowd into raptures and giving Al-Ahli a 1-0 lead. The English striker wasn’t done yet; in the 20th minute, he doubled his tally with another clinical finish, this time assisted by Ali Majrashi, making it 2-0 and putting Al-Nassr on the ropes.
Al-Nassr, however, showed why they’re league leaders with a resilient comeback. In the 31st minute, Sultan Al-Ghannam set up Abdullah Al-Amri, who slotted in to halve the deficit at 2-1. The momentum swung further just before halftime when Al-Amri struck again in the 44th minute, assisted by Marcelo Brozović, leveling the score at 2-2 and ensuring a nail-biting second half.
Second-Half Drama and Decisive Moments
Al-Nassr’s coach Jorge Jesus wasted no time in making changes at the break, bringing on Ayman Yahya and Nawaf Boushal to inject fresh energy. But it was Al-Ahli who regained control in the 55th minute when Merih Demiral rose highest to head in a cross from Toney, restoring their lead at 3-2.
Tensions boiled over as the match progressed, with yellow cards shown to Al-Nassr’s Ayman Yahya in the 61st minute for a foul and Al-Ahli’s Edouard Mendy in the 66th. Substitutions flew thick and fast: Al-Ahli introduced Saleh Abu Al-Shamat for Matheus Gonçalves, while Al-Nassr brought on Ali Lajami. Later, an injury forced Zachary Horvath off for Mohammed Abdulrahman.
As the clock ticked into the final 10 minutes at 3-2, Al-Nassr threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, but Al-Ahli’s defense held firm amid counterattack threats led by the tireless Toney. The visitors’ push highlighted their desperation, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit.
Standout Performances and Tactical Insights
Ivan Toney was undoubtedly the star for Al-Ahli, bagging a brace and providing an assist in a man-of-the-match display that underscored his importance to the team. For Al-Nassr, Abdullah Al-Amri’s double offered a glimmer of hope, but the absence of penalties drew scrutiny toward Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled to influence the game without his trademark spot-kicks.
Tactically, Al-Ahli’s high-pressing game disrupted Al-Nassr’s rhythm, while Jesus’s side relied on quick transitions that faltered in the second half. The result shakes up the title race, with Al-Ahli now breathing down the necks of the leaders.
Fan Reactions: Ronaldo in the Crosshairs
The match sparked heated debates online, particularly around Ronaldo’s performance. Fans dubbed him “Penaldo” for his perceived reliance on penalties, with comments like “No Penalty No Siuuuu” and calls for retirement amid frustration over his lack of team impact. Defenders countered by highlighting his 1,000 career goals and six Champions League titles, labeling him the GOAT. Other reactions pointed to controversial refereeing, including missed fouls and time-wasting by Al-Ahli, adding fuel to the post-match fire.
This upset not only boosts Al-Ahli’s morale but also injects unpredictability into the Saudi Pro League season. As the campaign heats up, matches like this remind us why football is the beautiful game—full of twists, drama, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for more highlights and analysis from the 2025-26 season!
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