Sadio Mane was able to show off his absolute skill as he led Al Nassr to a 2-0 win over Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad in a top of the table clash. Cristaino Ronaldo also got onto the scoresheet while his former Real Madrid teammate, Benzema, failed to turn up to the event. Al Nassr have now drawn out a three-point lead atop the Saudi Pro League standings.
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Al Nassr and Al Ittihad have been faultless so far this season in the Saudi Pro League as the two sides are top of the table heading into this game with three wins in three games. Joao Felix has surprisingly been eclipsing Ronaldo on the scoresheet as of this moment as the former Barcelona and Chelsea star has scored five goals for Jorge Jesus' side.
Heading into the match at Alinma Stadium, it was expected to be a tight affair; however, Al Nassr absolutely stormed Al Ittihad in the opening 30 minutes to take a secure 2-0 lead in the game. They bagged their opener after Felix's tidy footwork allowed Kingsley Coman to float in a cross, which was met by an acrobatic volley from Mane to give the visitors a thunderous goal. The second goal once again featured some ridiculous technique from the Senegalese forward to find Ronaldo's head barely five yards from goal.
The second half saw much of the same from Jesus' men as they dominated the proceedings and barely allowed Al Ittihad any chances to get into threatening spots. Ronaldo had the best opportunity before the hour mark to bury any chances of an Al Ittihad comeback when he received a pass right on the penalty spot with the goalkeeper out of position. However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner skied his chance despite no pressure. The hosts then slowly started to grow into the game, with Benzema getting the best chance of the game, which he failed to convert. The game ended 2-0 in favour of Al Nassr as they are now clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE MVP
It was not expected that Mane could be the major deciding factor against Al Ittihad, with the in-form Felix and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo on the field. However, the Senegalese, who has struggled this season, turned it back to his Premier League glory days as he scored a spectacular volley and produced a brilliant assist for the second goal.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Former France coach Laurent Blanc was not able to work his magic on Al Ittihad's setup, as he was thoroughly outclassed by Jesus through the 90 minutes. Despite clear signs that a low-block and possession-based football did nothing to break down Al Nassr, the French coach stuck to his guns, as Al Ittihad trickled to a slow death.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Al Nassr will return to their AFC Champions League Two duties next week when they face off against Iraqi side Al Zawraa. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad will face the UAE side Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in the AFC Champions League Elite.
