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PIX: Last-minute goal takes Al-Ittihad past Al-Nassr

May 08, 2025 03:09 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo wears a dejected looks as Karim Benzema celebrates with the ball after scoring Al Ittihad's first goal in the Saudi Pro League match against Al Nassr at Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, on Wednesday.

IMAGE: Cristiano Ronaldo wears a dejected looks as Karim Benzema celebrates with the ball after scoring Al Ittihad's first goal in the Saudi Pro League match against Al Nassr at Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, on Wednesday. Photograph: Reuters

Houssem Aouar scored a last-minute goal to help Al-Ittihad complete a comeback and secure a 3-2 win over Al-Nassr on Wednesday, taking them a step closer to clinching the Saudi Pro League title.

Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the home side after three minutes with a low shot.

The Senegal international then assisted Ayman Yahya to make it 2-0 for Al-Nassr in the 37th minute.

 

The goal stood following a VAR review, even though the ball had touched Mane’s hand in the build-up.

Al-Ittihad were the better side after the interval and Karim Benzema reduced the deficit with a header in the 49th minute.

Laurent Blanc's side equalised after a counter-attack, finished off by N'Golo Kante who slotted the ball into Al-Nassr's net.

Ayman Yahya scores Al Nassr's second goal.

IMAGE: Ayman Yahya (No. 23) scores Al Nassr's second goal. Photograph: Reuters

Algeria international Houssem Aouar, scored the winner in added time from close range following a cross by Moussa Diaby.

Al-Ittihad, who can clinch the domestic double after reaching the King Cup final, extended their lead to 71 points, six ahead of Al-Hilal, with four games remaining.

Al Ittihad's Houssem Aouar, Karim Benzema and Moussa Diaby celebrate after the match.

IMAGE: Al Ittihad's Houssem Aouar, Karim Benzema and Moussa Diaby celebrate after the match. Photograph: Reuters

For Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, now fourth with 60 points, the loss was a setback to their hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League elite next season, with only two teams qualifying from the league after Al-Ahli of Saudi won the continental title last Saturday.

Source: REUTERS
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