Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League title hopes suffer a blow as Al-Ettifaq secures a dramatic 3-2 victory, fueled by Georginio Wijnaldum’s late winner. Cristiano Ronaldo’s return couldn’t prevent the loss, compounded by a controversial red card for Jhon Durán, sparking outrage from Ronaldo. USA fans could watch the thrilling match on FS2, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and FOX Deportes, but Al Nassr now faces an uphill battle to close the gap on league leaders.
The match between Al Nassr and Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League on February 21, 2025, was broadcast live on FS2, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and FOX Deportes in the USA. Fans could watch the game at noon ET or 9:00am PT. Cristiano Ronaldo, a key player for Al Nassr, was expected to return for this crucial encounter.
Ronaldo’s Return and the Stakes
Cristiano Ronaldo’s anticipated return to the lineup was a significant factor for Al Nassr, as they faced Al-Ettifaq in a match that could impact their title aspirations. Ronaldo, known for his leadership and scoring prowess, was expected to bolster the team’s chances of securing a victory. The game was set to be a pivotal moment in the Saudi Pro League season, with both teams eager to claim the points on offer.
The Match Unfolds
Al Nassr started the game with a strong showing, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Ronaldo tested Al-Ettifaq’s goalkeeper Marek Rodak multiple times, but the first half ended without a breakthrough. Al-Ettifaq came close to scoring themselves, hitting the post and forcing a double save from Al Nassr’s goalkeeper Bento in stoppage time.
Breakthrough and Drama
The second half saw Al Nassr finally break the deadlock early on, thanks to a deflected cross from Sadio Mane that found its way into the net via Ayman Yahya’s head. However, Al-Ettifaq quickly responded with a goal from Georginio Wijnaldum, who rounded Bento to equalize after a VAR review overturned an initial offside call. The match continued to be a rollercoaster, with Al Nassr regaining the lead through Mohammed Al-Fatil’s header from a free kick in the 65th minute.
Own Goal and Late Drama
Al Nassr’s lead was short-lived as Al-Fatil inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 82nd minute, bringing the score level once more. The game seemed destined for a draw until Wijnaldum struck again in the 89th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack to secure the win for Al-Ettifaq. The late goal was a devastating blow for Al Nassr, who had been in control for much of the match.
Red Card Controversy
The match’s most controversial moment occurred in stoppage time when Al Nassr’s Jhon Durán was sent off after a brief altercation with Abdulelah Al Malki. Durán lightly brushed his head against Al Malki’s, but the referee, Kirill Levnikov, interpreted the gesture as aggression and issued a straight red card. This decision left Al Nassr stunned, with Ronaldo confronting the referee and demanding a VAR review. When his protests were ignored, Ronaldo expressed his frustration by kicking the ball away in anger.
Impact on Al Nassr’s Title Hopes
The defeat to Al-Ettifaq left Al Nassr eight points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad and three points behind Qadisiya, who sit in third place. With only two wins in their last five matches and consecutive setbacks, Al Nassr faces an uphill battle to catch up in the title race. The team’s defensive frailties, despite the presence of Aymeric Laporte, were exposed, particularly with the absence of his regular partner, Mohamed Simakan. Al-Fatil’s mistakes directly contributed to Al-Ettifaq’s goals, highlighting the team’s ongoing struggles at the back.
Ronaldo’s Frustration and Leadership
Cristiano Ronaldo’s visible outrage after Durán’s red card encapsulated the emotions of a team whose title hopes were slipping away. As a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo’s leadership and passion are crucial for Al Nassr, and his reaction to the controversial decision underscored his commitment to the team’s success. Despite the loss, Ronaldo’s presence and influence remain vital as Al Nassr seeks to regroup and mount a comeback in the league.
Viewing Options for Fans
For fans in the USA looking to follow Al Nassr’s journey in the Saudi Pro League, the match against Al-Ettifaq was available on FS2, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and FOX Deportes. Fubo offers a 7-day trial, allowing viewers to watch the game on various devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Additionally, for those abroad, using a VPN service like NordVPN can help access these streaming services securely.
Implications and Conclusion
The loss to Al-Ettifaq and the subsequent red card controversy have significant implications for Al Nassr’s title aspirations in the Saudi Pro League. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities and inability to capitalize on their opportunities have put them in a challenging position, with their title hopes now hanging by a thread. Ronaldo’s leadership and the team’s resilience will be tested as they aim to overcome these setbacks and close the gap on the league leaders. For fans, the availability of streaming options ensures they can continue to support Al Nassr through the remainder of the season, hoping for a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes.