Even without the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo at their disposal, Al-Nassr produced a commanding display to defeat Al-Ittihad 2-0 in a high-octane derby. The victory was forged through competitive maturity and clinical efficiency, as the hosts demonstrated the patience and organisation required to break down a stubborn opponent.

The contest burst into life with an aggressive Al-Ittihad side pressing high and winning a succession of early corners. The visitors looked to exploit the explosive pace of Moussa Diaby and the aerial threat of Youssef En-Nesyri, but they found an Al-Nassr backline in resolute form, with Simakan and Inigo Martinez expertly managing the space behind the defence.

As the first half progressed, Al-Nassr began to dictate the tempo. Brozovic pulled the strings in midfield, while Joao Felix drifted between the lines to link play with creative flair. On the flanks, Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane were a constant menace, forcing Predrag Rajkovic into several vital interventions to keep the scores level.

Despite openings at both ends, the sides headed into the interval deadlocked following a half characterised by high physical intensity and a flurry of fouls. VAR was called into action to review a potential penalty for Al-Ittihad, but the officials ultimately opted against awarding the spot-kick.

Al-Nassr emerged for the second period with renewed vigour, dominating possession and forcing the visitors into a defensive shell. Mane twice went close to breaking the stalemate, while Joao Felix tested the keeper from range as Coman continued to torment his marker with direct, one-on-one running.

The visitors' resistance finally crumbled in the 82nd minute when a handball in the area gifted the hosts a penalty. Stepping up under immense pressure, Sadio Mane showed no nerves, coolly dispatching the ball into the bottom corner to assert his side's authority at a pivotal moment.

With the advantage secured, Al-Nassr managed the closing stages with tactical intelligence, squeezing the play and waiting for the chance to strike on the break. Deep into stoppage time, the knockout blow arrived: Nawaf Bu Washl spearheaded a lightning counter-attack before squaring for Angelo, who arrived late on the right to seal the points with a clinical left-footed finish.

The final whistle confirmed a deserved victory, built on patience and poise, in a match that highlighted Al-Nassr's impressive squad depth. Even in the absence of Ronaldo, the team delivered a statement of intent: the collective remains strong, competitive, and ambitious, regardless of who leads the line.

Ângelo

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