Al Nassr, the high-spending team, finds themselves facing an early setback in the Saudi Pro League season following a surprising 2-0 defeat at home to Al Taawoun on Friday. Notably, star players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Anderson Talisca, and Marcelo Brozovic were all unable to score.
The visitors took the lead in the 20th minute with a well-placed header from Cameroonian forward Leandre Tawamba during a corner kick. Throughout the match, Al Taawoun’s solid five-man defensive formation and skilled goalkeeper thwarted Al Nassr’s attempts, and a late goal from substitute Ahmed Bahusayn sealed the outcome in stoppage time.
Al Nassr’s 2-1 loss in their opening weekend game against Al Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard, was attributed to the rest given to many of their star players after their victory in the Arab Club Champions Cup just 48 hours earlier. Despite the return of all key players, Al Nassr couldn’t overcome Al Taawoun’s effective strategy of defending resolutely and capitalizing on counter-attacks through the rapid Brazilian winger Mateus.
Struggling to establish a consistent attacking rhythm, Al Nassr outshot Al Taawoun 24-8, yet managed only five shots on target compared to the visitors’ six. Anderson Talisca missed a couple of headed opportunities in the penalty area, Sadio Mane had a disallowed goal, and Marcelo Brozovic’s shot on target was saved by the goalkeeper.
The match proved frustrating for Al Nassr as they hit the post with an offside attempt by Cristiano Ronaldo and experienced a late goal-line clearance. The outcome casts a shadow on Al Nassr’s aspirations after finishing second in the previous season, falling five points short of securing the Saudi title in 2022/23. They now face the possibility of trailing the leaders by six points by the end of Matchday 2.
