Islamabad, 13 May, 2025: Al-Nassr produced a record-breaking performance in the Saudi Pro League with a stunning 9-0 victory over Al Akhdoud, marking the biggest win in the club’s SPL history.
The emphatic result kept their hopes alive for a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Elite.
Sadio Mane was the standout performer, scoring four times—including his first hat-trick in the league—while Jhon Duran netted a brace.
Ayman Yahya, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mohammed Maran also added their names to the scoresheet in what turned into a one-sided affair.
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Despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested for the game, Al-Nassr displayed complete dominance.
Head coach Stefano Pioli reportedly made the decision to sideline the Portuguese star due to physical fatigue, following his full participation in recent matches against Al-Ittihad and Kawasaki.
Pioli later confirmed that Ronaldo had experienced muscle tiredness, and the coaching staff preferred to save him for upcoming fixtures.
Currently placed third on the SPL table with 63 points from 31 games, Al-Nassr remain in pursuit of leaders Al-Ittihad (74 points) and second-placed Al-Hilal (68 points).
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With only a few matches remaining, the race for Champions League qualification has intensified.
Ronaldo, who has scored 33 goals and provided four assists across all competitions this season, was noticeably missed by fans.
However, the manner of victory—led by Mane’s clinical finishing—gave supporters plenty to cheer about.
Al-Nassr’s next challenge will be against eighth-placed Al-Taawoun on 16 May.
With 41 points from 31 matches, Al-Taawoun will be looking to spoil Al-Nassr’s momentum, but the Riyadh-based side are expected to push hard as the season nears its conclusion.
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