Al-Nassr and Al-Taawoun shared the spoils in a closely contested 1-1 draw on May 16, 2025, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. This Saudi Pro League encounter was packed with action, drama, and crucial moments that left fans at the edge of their seats.
Match Overview One Goal Each, But Plenty of Fire
The game started with high energy as both teams fought to take control. Al-Nassr, led by international superstars including Cristiano Ronaldo, had more possession and created several chances. However, Al-Taawoun showed great discipline in defense and made it difficult for Al-Nassr to find the net in the first half.
The breakthrough finally came in the 50th minute, when Otávio scored for Al-Nassr. It was a well-placed finish following a creative build-up, and the home crowd erupted with joy.
But the lead didn’t last long.
Just 19 minutes later, in the 69th minute, Roger Martínez equalized for Al-Taawoun with a sharp strike, silencing the stadium and leveling the score at 1-1.
Missed Chances and Tactical Play
Although Al-Nassr had more shots and possession, they couldn’t break through Al-Taawoun’s tight defense after the equalizer. The visitors stayed compact, frustrated the home side, and looked dangerous on the counter.
Cristiano Ronaldo came close to scoring on multiple occasions but was denied by solid goalkeeping and defensive pressure. His presence on the pitch kept the energy high, but the final touch was missing.
Key Stats at a Glance:
Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh
Final Score: Al-Nassr 1 – 1 Al-Taawoun
Goal Scorers:
Otávio (50’) – Al-Nassr
Roger Martínez (69’) – Al-Taawoun
Possession: Al-Nassr 61%, Al-Taawoun 39%
Shots on Target: Al-Nassr 6, Al-Taawoun 3
Coach Reactions
Gustavo Quinteros : “We played well, created many chances, but couldn’t finish them. These dropped points hurt, but we’ll keep pushing till the end.”
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Mohammed Al Abdali : “The boys showed character. Earning a point away against a team like Al-Nassr is a big achievement. We stayed disciplined and took our chances.”
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What This Result Means for Al-Nassr
The draw means Al-Nassr remain fourth in the Saudi Pro League standings, still trailing behind leaders Al-Hilal. With only a few matches remaining, every point is crucial if they hope to close the gap.
After also being knocked out of the King’s Cup by Al-Taawoun last year, this result adds to their recent struggles against the same opponent.
Looking Ahead
Al-Nassr will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next league fixture. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge and Otávio in top form, the team still has a strong chance of finishing high this seasonbut consistency will be key.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Al-Nassr: Will host Al-Khaleej in their final home game of the season.
- Al-Taawoun: Set to face Al-Riyadh in their next league match.
While the draw wasn’t the result Al-Nassr fans were hoping for, it was a thrilling match that showcased the strength and strategy of both teams. Al-Taawoun walked away proud with a point, while Al-Nassr will feel this was an opportunity missed.
With a few games left in the season, all eyes are on whether Al-Nassr can bounce back and finish strong in the 2024–2025 Saudi Pro League campaign.
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