Wijnaldum Shocks Al Nassr as Ettifaq Lead Ronaldo’s Side at Half-Time
So, here’s what’s been unfolding in this fascinating Saudi Pro League clash between Al Ettifaq and Al Nassr, played at the Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam. Coming into this match, all eyes were firmly on Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr side, who had been cruising through the 2025–26 season with a perfect record after 10 games. But football, as always, had other ideas.
From the opening whistle, Al Nassr tried to assert their dominance. Possession was controlled, the tempo was set high, and the intent to attack was clear. However, things took a dramatic turn very early on. Within the first six minutes, Al Nassr were reduced to 10 men after Saad Fahad was initially shown a red card for a rash challenge. Following a lengthy VAR review, the decision was softened to a yellow, but the disruption to Al Nassr’s rhythm had already been felt. The early chaos seemed to inject belief into the home side.
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Al Ettifaq gradually grew into the contest, stretching Al Nassr’s defence with their wing backs and pressing with confidence. That confidence paid off in the 17th minute when Georginio Wijnaldum produced a moment of pure quality. From the edge of the box, a clean, composed finish was struck past the goalkeeper, and the stadium erupted. The goal was deserved, and Al Ettifaq found themselves 1-0 up against the league leaders.
After conceding, pressure was mounted by Al Nassr. Corners kept coming, possession remained largely in their favour, and big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix were constantly involved. Felix came close with a shot that drifted just wide, while Ronaldo had an effort inside the box that failed to trouble the scoreline. Despite dominating the ball, the final pass in the attacking third was missing, and Al Ettifaq’s defence stood firm, especially during set pieces.
As the first half ticked away, frustration seemed to creep into Al Nassr’s play. Five minutes of added time were announced, but no breakthrough arrived. At the half-time whistle, the scoreboard still read Al Ettifaq 1, Al Nassr 0.
This scoreline carried real significance. Al Nassr, who had been flawless all season, now faced the possibility of dropping points for the first time. To keep that perfect record intact, two goals would be needed in the second half without conceding again. Meanwhile, Al Ettifaq, sitting eighth in the table before kick-off, were suddenly staring at a statement result.
With Wijnaldum’s goal separating the sides, the second half promised tension, pressure, and potentially a turning point in the Saudi Pro League title race.
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