Al-Nassr’s ambitions of securing a top-three finish in Saudi Pro League took a hit as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Al-Taawoun on Friday night.
Despite a recent 9-0 win without Cristiano Ronaldo, the star forward’s absence was felt this time, raising fresh concerns for Riyadh-based side.
Playing at home in Riyadh, Al-Nassr looked to continue their winning momentum but found the going tough against a disciplined Al-Taawoun. Midfielder Otávio opened the scoring in 51st minute with a well-placed header from a corner, giving the hosts a deserved lead. However, the advantage was short-lived as Roger Martínez equalized in the 70th minute, securing a valuable point for the visitors.
The draw sees Al-Nassr move to 64 points, currently sitting in fourth place in the league standings. They now trail third-placed Al-Qadsiah by a single point. Al-Qadsiah tightened their grip on a top-three spot after a convincing 3-1 win over Al-Wehda on Thursday.
With only two matches remaining, the race for the AFC Champions League qualification is heating up. The top three teams earn direct entry, making every point crucial. Ronaldo’s continued absence and the team’s inconsistent form have become a growing concern for the Al-Nassr camp.
In contrast, Al-Ittihad, led by Karim Benzema, have already sealed the league title with two games to spare. They showcased their champion mentality by coming from behind to beat Al-Raed 3-1, further cementing their dominance this season.
Al-Nassr will now have to regroup quickly if they are to secure their place among Asia’s elite next season.
SH
