Aymeric Laporte came to Al Nassr’s rescue with a crucial header, earning his team a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a resilient AI Taawoun at King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah on Friday. The result marks the third time in five matches that Christiano Ronaldo’s side has dropped points, leaving fans frustrated as they slipped to fourth in the Roshn Saudi League standings.
Al Qadsiah capitalized on Al Nassr’s stumble, leaving them in third place after a commanding 3-0 victory over Al Wehda in Mecca. The match began with Al Nassr showing intent, as Sultan Al Ghannam delivered an early cross from the right flank to Abdulrahman Ghareeb, whose first-time effort was comfortably saved by Al Taawoun’s goalkeeper, Mailson.
The Brazilian shot-stopper was in fine form, denying Ronaldo twice from long range with confident saves.
When the first half was about to be closed, brilliance started to shine as Al Taawoun scored. Another cross-field pass from Andrew Girotto was a great move that bypassed Al Nassr’s defense and left Nawaf Boushal, the left-back, stranded.
Fahad Al Jumayah exploited the space, delivering a precise cross to Saad Al Nasser at the far post, who volleyed home in style; the ball bounced off the post and into the net.
Mailson continued to shine after the break, frustrating Sadio Mane’s header and Marcelo Brozovic’s powerful half-volley. However, he was powerless to stop Aymeric Laporte’s towering header in the second half.
The former Manchester City defender rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from substitute Angelo, leveling the score and reigniting Al Nassr’s hopes.
Despite Ronaldo’s persistent drive and an injury to Mailson in added time that made the goalkeeper leave the field, Al Taawoun successfully held on for a precious point. The victory keeps them in the eighth position and ahead of ninth-placed Al Riyadh by just one point. They face them next, and Al Nassr will be looking to gather their composure as they receive Al Khaleej next.