Al-Nassr 2-0 Al-Ittihad – Late Mané Penalty & Gabriel Strike Seal Big Yellow Victory

Al-Nassr 2-0 Al-Ittihad – Late Mané Penalty & Gabriel Strike Seal Big Yellow Victory

Al-Nassr 2-0 Al-Ittihad – Saudi Pro League 2025-26 Highlights: Late Strikes from Sadio Mané and Ângelo Gabriel Secure Vital Win for the Big Yellow

                    In a gripping Saudi Pro League clash on February 6, 2026, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Al-Nassr claimed a hard-fought 2-0 victory over rivals Al-Ittihad. The match, part of Matchday 21 in the 2025-26 season, was overshadowed by the absence of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed his second consecutive league game amid reported tensions with club management over transfer policies and squad planning.

            Despite the drama off the pitch, Al-Nassr's attack delivered when it mattered most, with Sadio Mané converting a late penalty in the 83rd (or 84th/85th minute per reports) and Ângelo Gabriel sealing the deal with a clinical counter-attack goal in the 95th/96th minute during stoppage time.

The win keeps Al-Nassr firmly in the title race, moving them to 49 points—just one behind leaders Al-Hilal—while Al-Ittihad remain mid-table on 34 points. This result highlights the depth and resilience in Luis Castro's squad, proving they can thrive even without their talismanic captain.
Pre-Match Build-Up and Ronaldo's Absence

The buildup was dominated by Ronaldo's ongoing saga. The Portuguese forward, who has scored prolifically since joining Al-Nassr, was left out of the squad for the second straight match. Reports from BBC, Al Jazeera, and Sky Sports indicated dissatisfaction with the club's lack of significant January transfer activity and internal disputes. Fans showed solidarity, raising yellow banners with Ronaldo's name and number 7 in the 7th minute, creating an emotional atmosphere at Al-Awwal Park.



Al-Nassr lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation: Bento in goal; defenders Iñigo Martínez, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Sultan Al-Ghannam; midfielders Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Marcelo Brozovic; attackers Kingsley Coman, Ângelo Gabriel, João Félix, and Sadio Mané leading the line. Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, fielded a strong side including goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic and key players like Karim Benzema (though form has dipped this season).

The pitch at Al-Awwal Park, a modern fortress with its iconic yellow and blue stands, offered good playing conditions under floodlights, with a passionate home crowd urging their side forward.

First Half: Tense and Goalless

The opening 45 minutes were cagey, with both teams probing but lacking a cutting edge. Al-Nassr dominated possession (around 58%), creating half-chances through Coman's wing play and Mané's runs, but Al-Ittihad's defense held firm. A few yellow cards were shown for tactical fouls, but no major incidents. The half ended 0-0, setting up a second-half showdown.

Second Half Drama: Late Breakthroughs

The game exploded late. Al-Nassr ramped up pressure, and in the 83rd minute, a handball in the box by an Al-Ittihad defender earned a penalty. Sadio Mané stepped up, calmly sending Rajkovic the wrong way with a composed finish to make it 1-0. The Senegalese star's celebration was electric, pumping up the crowd.


Al-Ittihad pushed for an equalizer, leaving gaps at the back. In the 95th/96th minute, a swift counter-attack saw Ângelo Gabriel break free, slotting home clinically—some reports note through the keeper's legs—making it 2-0. In a touching tribute, Gabriel celebrated with Ronaldo's iconic "Siuuu" jump, dedicating the win to the absent captain and uniting the team and fans.


Key Moments and Performances
Mané's Penalty (83'/84'): Composed conversion after sustained pressure.
Ângelo Gabriel's Sealer (95'/96'): Clinical finish on the break, plus emotional "Siuuu" celebration.
Defensive solidity from Al-Amri and Simakan thwarted Al-Ittihad's late pushes.
Brozovic controlled midfield; Coman and Félix provided creativity.

The match ended with Al-Nassr players and fans celebrating, banners supporting Ronaldo waved high. This victory underscores Al-Nassr's squad depth—proving the "Big Yellow" can compete at the top without their biggest star.
Match Implications

Al-Nassr close the gap to one point on Al-Hilal, intensifying the title race in the Roshn Saudi League. For Al-Ittihad, it's a setback in their push for European spots or better positioning. Ronaldo's future remains uncertain, but the team's performance sends a strong message of unity.

This late-show win will be remembered as a statement of resilience in a season full of off-field drama. Al-Nassr march on—title hopes alive and kicking.