Photo Credit - Al Nassr Saudi.
Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role as he helped Senegal forward Sadio Mane to score from a late penalty in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 Saudi Pro League win over Al-Wehda at King Abdul Aziz Stadium on Wednesday.
Mane went into the game having not found the back of the net in the last nine matches. On the other hand, Al Nassr were seeking to bounce back to winning ways after they had lost their last league fixture 3-2 against Al-Ettifaq.
After a 0-0 draw in the first half, the former Manchester United star set the ball rolling after he scored with a powerful header in the 48th minute. And with the game heading to a 1-0 win in favour of Nassr, they were awarded a penalty at the stroke of full-time.
Al Nassr won a free-kick which Ronaldo stepped up to take but from the resultant kick, the ball struck the opponent’s defender and went out for a corner. However, after a VAR check, the referee changed the decision and awarded a penalty to Al Nassr.
With Ronaldo being the designated penalty taker for Al Nassr, and having the opportunity to score and finish the game with a brace, he delegated the duties to Mane.
The former Liverpool star took the duties with both hands and strode the ball past Al-Wehda custodian Abdullah Al-Owaishir. Mane has now managed 22 appearances for Al Nassr this season, scored six goals and provided seven assists.
Al Nassr's win was their 14th in the league this term and leaves them third on 47 points. However, they remain four points behind second-placed Al Hilal and equal on points with fourth-placed Al Qadisiyah.
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