Al-Nassr survive Al-Shabab scare to end winless streak

Substitute Abdulrahman Ghareeb struck a decisive 77th-minute winner as Al-Nassr arrested a four-match winless streak with a dramatic 3-2 victory over city rivals Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

In a pulsating Riyadh derby, Al-Nassr squandered a two-goal lead before rallying late to secure three vital points. The victory moves Jorge Jesus’ side to 34 points, level with Al-Ahli in third place and four points adrift of league leaders Al-Hilal, who have a game in hand.

Al-Nassr began with intent, establishing a commanding lead inside the opening 10 minutes. The deadlock was broken in the second minute when Saad Balobaid, attempting to intercept a cross bound for Cristiano Ronaldo, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

Eight minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage with a moment of individual brilliance. Following an intricate move involving Nawaf Boushal and Angelo down the left, Wesley cushioned a header into the path of Kingsley Coman. The French winger finished emphatically with an acrobatic bicycle kick, leaving the visitors stunned.

Despite the disastrous start, Al-Shabab grew into the contest, finding a route back through former Al-Ittihad winger Hammam Al-Hammami. Isolating Boushal on the flank, Al-Hammami delivered a dangerous low cross that Al-Nassr defender Mohamed Simakan diverted into his own goal.

Imanol Alguacil’s side carried that momentum into the second half and restored parity in the 53rd minute. Yannick Carrasco exploited a lapse in concentration from Iñigo Martínez to set up Carlos Junior, who slotted calm past goalkeeper Bento to make it 2-2.

With his title challenge faltering, Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus turned to his bench in the 65th minute, introducing Ghareeb and Saad Al-Nasser. The changes proved inspired.

With 13 minutes remaining, Angelo drove into the box and delivered a low cross for Coman. Although Marcelo Grohe saved the initial effort, Ghareeb reacted sharpest to fire the rebound home and settle the contest.

Elsewhere, Ivan Toney continued his goalscoring form for Al-Ahli, netting the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Al-Kholood in Qassim. Toney’s 74th-minute strike ensured Al-Ahli remain level on points with Al-Nassr.

In the day’s other fixture, Al-Fayha and Damac played out a 1-1 draw.

Action continues on Sunday with league leaders Al-Hilal travelling to Tabuk to face NEOM, while Al-Taawoun host Al-Riyadh and Al-Hazem welcome Al-Qadsiah.