In a dramatic round of Saudi Pro League matches, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli both claimed hard-fought 3-2 victories over Damac and Al-Wehda, respectively, boosting their league standings just days before the AFC Champions League Elite knockout stage begins in Jeddah this Friday.
Al-Nassr Edges Past Damac in Five-Goal Thriller
Despite missing star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, Al-Nassr fought back to secure a crucial win against Damac, keeping their title hopes alive. The match at Prince Sultan Sport City Stadium in Abha saw Damac take an early lead through Algerian defender Abdelkader Bedrane (18’), but Al-Nassr quickly equalized via Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte (25’).
After the break, substitute Ali Al-Hassan put Al-Nassr ahead in the 70th minute, only for Romanian Nicolae Stanciu to level the score three minutes later. Just when the game seemed headed for a draw, Saudi international Sultan Al-Ghannam delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner (90+5’), sealing a vital three points.
The victory lifts Al-Nassr to 60 points, keeping them third but narrowing the gap with second-placed Al-Hilal to just two points. They remain eight behind leaders Al-Ittihad ahead of their highly anticipated clash on May 7.
Al-Ahli Holds Off Al-Wehda in Five-Goal Spectacle
Meanwhile, Al-Ahli maintained their fourth-place position (58 points) with a 3-2 win over Al-Wehda at King Abdulaziz Sports City in Mecca. Rogério Ibanhez, Galeno, and Riyad Mahrez scored for Al-Ahli (6’, 58’, 89’), while Al-Wehda’s late goals from Abdullah Al-Hafith (81’) and Ala Al-Hajji (90+6’) weren’t enough to salvage a result.
With the AFC Champions League quarterfinals approaching, both Saudi clubs will look to carry this momentum into their continental campaigns. Al-Nassr faces Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos this Saturday, while Al-Ahli remains in the hunt for a top-three league finish.
The Saudi Pro League title race continues to heat up, with Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli proving they can deliver under pressure.
Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli Secure Thrilling Wins Ahead of AFC Champions League Quarterfinals
