In turbulent times, João Félix shows the way in Al Riyadh - Al Nassr clash | OneFootball

Al Nassr had to work hard to continue their good run of form in the Saudi league. Last night, the club managed by former Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, won by the narrowest margin against Al Riyadh (1-0), with João Félix taking center stage in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese international, who came up through Benfica’s youth ranks, was once again crucial by providing the decisive pass that led to Al Nassr’s only goal. It turned out to be a positive moment at a time when the team is going through a turbulent period off the pitch, due to the lack of investment in the squad.

With Cristiano Ronaldo left out of the match sheet after refusing to play for the Saudi team in protest, Jorge Jesus had only João Félix at his disposal, but the Portuguese player, just like in the previous match, made the difference for Al Nassr.

Still in the first half, the number 79 showed another flash of inspiration and, right on the 40th minute, found Sadio Mané. The Portuguese international assisted the Senegalese forward for the opening goal. Despite the chances they created, Al Nassr ended up winning by the narrowest of margins.

After a win against Al Kholood, the Saudi club moved even closer to the top spot in the league, taking advantage of another draw by Al Hilal. When all was said and done, Jorge Jesus’s Al Nassr further consolidated second place, with 46 points, and is now just one point away from the lead.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.