'I just want the league' - Joao Felix focuses on title as Al Nassr regain summit | OneFootball

Joao Felix put in another Man of the Match display, his seventh of a stellar debut campaign in the Roshn Saudi League, to remain well in the hunt for the Fans’ Player of the Season.

As nice as that’d be, though, the Al Nassr star underlined his No.1 priority this term.

“I just want to have the league title - that's the most important,” Felix said following the better-late-than-ever 3-1 win at Al Fayha on Saturday night. “Then that comes after. But I'm just here to fight for the title.”

Judging by their latest triumph, an eighth consecutive in the RSL, Al Nassr are doing just that.

They were made to work for the three points to reclaim top spot in the table, rallying with a late blitz after Cristiano Ronaldo’s rare missed penalty and then Abdulelah Al Amri’s own goal in first-half stoppage-time.

The in-form Sadio Mane began the fightback with 18 minutes remaining, meeting a fine centre from Kingsley Coman. Soon after, Al Nassr were 2-1 up, Felix’s thunderous half volley cannoning off the Al Fayha upright before hitting home goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera and flying back into the net.

Five minutes later, Felix turned provider, showing a brilliant flash of skill in exchanging a one-two for Abdullah Al Hamdan, only just introduced for Cristiano Ronaldo, to seal the result.

Although Felix hasn’t scored since the end of December, it marked his 22nd goal contribution (13 goals, nine assists) from 24 RSL appearances. Meanwhile, Al Hamdan had his first goal since his winter deadline-day move from Al Hilal.

As Felix noted, Al Nassr's robust response demonstrated a champions’ mentality.

“This is a team that has big name players,” said the Portugal international, a summer signing from English Premier League club Chelsea. “They are used to competing in the best leagues, in the best environments.

“So, losing 1-0 at half-time, we don't feel the pressure. We just keep doing the same because we were playing well. They didn't shoot at the goal and they scored; that's football. We knew that we were doing a good job.

"We just needed to keep going - and that's what we did.”

Yet another victory secured, Al Nassr moved back ahead of Al Ahli at the summit. With 10 matchweeks to come, beginning next Saturday at home to NEOM Sports Club, the 2018-19 champions are two points clear. One of four teams contesting the title, it's right where they want to be.