Felix Header Gives Al Nassr Early Lead Over Al Hazm in Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League clash between Al Hazm and Al Nassr at the King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah delivered an early spark, as Joao Felix’s header put the visiting side ahead in the first half. From the very beginning, Al Nassr established control, pressing high and dominating possession, while Al Hazm struggled to find a rhythm and create meaningful chances.
Al Nassr’s intent was clear within the opening minutes. Kingsley Coman’s early shot was saved by Al Hazm goalkeeper Bruno Varela, and attempts from Sadio Mane and Angelo kept the hosts on alert. The pressure eventually paid off in the 24th minute. Ayman Yahya’s perfectly timed cross found Felix, who expertly directed a header into the net, giving Al Nassr a 1-0 advantage. This goal reflected the visitors’ superior build-up play and highlighted their attacking depth, which includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, Angelo, and Coman.
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Al Hazm tried to respond but found it difficult to hold the ball and push forward against a disciplined Al Nassr defence led by Inigo Martinez and Mohamed Simakan. By the 36th minute, it was mostly one-way traffic, with Al Nassr creating chance after chance. Al Hazm’s defense was tested repeatedly, and their efforts were often broken down before they could develop a sustained attack.
Discipline was another talking point, as Sadio Mane received a yellow card after a VAR check, and Abdulrahman Al-Dakheel was cautioned for pulling Angelo’s shirt. Despite these interruptions, Al Nassr’s rhythm remained largely unbroken, and their superiority on the pitch was evident going into halftime.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been rested for Al Nassr’s recent AFC Champions League match against Goa, started this match and looked composed, contributing to the team’s attacking flow. His presence on the field clearly boosted Al Nassr’s confidence and cohesion, ensuring that they maintained control throughout the first 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Al Hazm’s players desperately awaited the halftime whistle, hoping to regroup and adjust their strategy for the second half.
At the break, Al Nassr held a slender 1-0 lead, largely thanks to Felix’s well-executed header and the team’s dominant play in the early stages. The visitors are currently leading the Saudi Pro League standings, and a win against Al Hazm would allow them to consolidate their position at the top. Al Hazm, on the other hand, will need to find urgency and creativity in the second half if they are to turn the match around and avoid falling further behind in the league.
As the players returned to the pitch after halftime, all eyes remained on Cristiano Ronaldo and the attacking prowess of Al Nassr, while the home side prepared to mount a challenge to claw back the deficit. The stage was set for an intense second half in Jeddah, with the league leaders looking to continue their perfect start to the season.
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