Without Ronaldo: Al Nassr Settles for Draw Against Al Hazm in Thrilling Match

In a highly anticipated match between Al Nassr and Al Hazm, the home team was left disappointed as they dropped two valuable points after Al Hazm equalized in the 9th minute of injury time.

 

The goals came thick and fast in this exciting encounter. Talisca, filling in for the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, showcased his prowess by scoring three goals for Al Nassr in the 31st, 61st, and 71st minutes. However, Al Hazm fought back with goals from Al Mhemaid (53′), Toze (66′), Selemani (84′), and Paulo Ricardo (90+9′).

 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was keenly felt by Al Nassr, as he is their leading goal scorer this season with 22 goals in 20 appearances. However, Talisca stepped up brilliantly, netting a hat-trick and taking his tally to 16 goals in 17 matches in the Saudi Pro League. Despite their attacking prowess, Al Nassr struggled defensively, failing to hold onto their lead on four occasions. Sadio Mane’s successful penalty in the 94th minute seemed to secure a 4-3 victory, but Paulo Ricardo equalized for Al Hazm just five minutes later.

 

The draw leaves Al Nassr trailing the league leaders, Al Hilal, by six points. Al Hilal remains unbeaten and has played one match less than Al Nassr. On the other hand, Al Hazm climbed one place to 17th in the league standings with the point earned from the match. Both teams fielded strong lineups, with Al Nassr deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation and Al Hazm opting for a 4-3-3 setup.

 

Al Nassr’s lineup included Ali in goal, with Al Boushail, Al Amri, Laporte, and Telles forming the defense. The midfield consisted of Al Khaibari, Brozovic, Al Naji, Otavio, and Mane, while Talisca led the attack. For Al Hazm, Dahmen guarded the goal, supported by Al Bakr, Paulo Ricardo, Bruno Viana, and Qasheesh in defense. Al Mhemaid, Al Salman, and Moreno formed the midfield, while Selemani, Badamosi, and Toze spearheaded the attack. Despite the draw, the match showcased the excitement and competitiveness of Saudi Pro League football, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future clashes between these top-tier teams.