Breaking: Al Nassr Edges Damac 2-1 Away as Ronaldo Reaches 960 Career Goals, Keeps Title Ambitions Alive
Al Nassr secured a 2-1 victory on the road against Damac on matchday 17 of the Saudi Pro League 2025-26. Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of the goals, lifting his career tally to 960 as he continues his march toward 1,000 across his professional life. The win pulls Al Nassr back into second place, close to the league leader Al hilal.
The result leaves Al Nassr on 37 points, four behind Al Hilal, who hold 41 points and face Al Feiha on the upcoming Thursday. The victory also levels Al Nassr with Al Ahli on points,intensifying the chase for the championship.
Al Nassr started the scoring early, with Abdulrahman Ghareeb finding the net just five minutes into the first half. The visitors had their chances to extend the advantage, but wasteful finishing kept Damac in the contest and allowed the home side to stay in touch.
In the second half, Ronaldo doubled the lead with a finish set up by Joao Felix, making it 2-0. The pattern suggested a comfortable spell for the Riyadh outfit, but Damac rallied late. Jamal Harkass headed in to reduce the deficit and intensify the closing minutes, leaving Al Nassr short of the clinical edge needed to seal the result earlier.
Goals And Key moments
The opening goal came early as Ghareeb struck after a fast sequence from the left. Ronaldo’s strike early in the second half extended the lead, but Damac refused to surrender, forcing a tense finish as Al Nassr defended their advantage.
Lineups Confirmed
Confirmed damac XI featured captain Abdelkader Bedrane in defense, with jamal Harkass and Valentín Vada among the attacking options. The substitutes included Moataz Al Baqaawi, Hassan Rabei, and Yakou Méïté, among others.
For Al Nassr, the starting lineup included Bento in goal, a back four of Sultan Al ghannam, Mohamed Simakan, Íñigo Martínez, and Saad Al Nasser. Midfield paired marcelo Brozovic and Angelo, with Abdulrahman Ghareeb, João Félix, Kingsley Coman, and Cristiano Ronaldo supporting winger play and attacking duties.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Damac 1 – 2 Al nassr |
| Competition | |
| Date | January 21, 2026 |
| Al Nassr Scorers | Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jamal Harkass (Damac) |
| Ronaldo Career Goals | 960 |
| Al Nassr Standings | Second place, 37 points |
| Title Race Context | Al Hilal leads with 41 points; Al Nassr four points back |
| Next Opponent for Al Nassr | Awaiting Al Hilal clash against Al Feiha |
Evergreen Insights
Ronaldo’s continued goal-scoring form keeps him as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer this season while underscoring his enduring impact at Al Nassr.the team’s consistency remains a focal point as they chase a sustained title challenge against a tight top of the table, where finishing quality often decides the outcomes of tightly fought matches.
Historically, matches like this highlight the balance between attacking firepower and defensive resilience in a league that rewards efficiency in front of goal. as the season progresses, Al Nassr’s ability to convert chances and manage late pressure could prove decisive in the race for the championship.
Engage With Us
What aspect of Al Nassr’s approach impressed you most in this game? Do you think Ronaldo can reach 1,000 career goals this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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