"An Nasr" wins 3-2 despite red card and disadvantage
The third round of the Saudi Pro League delivered a real drama for fans, as reported by One.uz.
Despite playing with ten men from the 12th minute and enduring a tough, intense battle, Riyadh’s Al Nasr secured a dramatic and sensational 3:2 away victory over Al Ittifaq. The Riyadh side showed character twice after falling behind, scoring crucial goals in the second half to turn the match around.
Early red card: Al Nasr were reduced to ten players just 12 minutes in. First blow: Although Sadio Mané opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Al Ittifaq, now numerically superior, intensified their pressure.
Two goals for the hosts: Duda scored in the 31st minute, and Medran added another in stoppage time of the first half (45+4), giving Al Ittifaq a 2:1 lead at the break. Ronaldo withdrawn: Club captain Cristiano Ronaldo was taken off at halftime due to tactical changes and injury concerns.
Playing a man down and without their captain, Al Nasr refused to give up in the second half. Balance restored: In the 77th minute, Al Amri capitalized on a penalty-box scramble to equalize (2:2).
90th-minute winner: As regular time wound down, Sadio Mané came off the bench once again. The Senegalese star scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, completing his brace and securing a 3:2 triumph for his team.
Al Ittifaq — Al Nasr 2:3. Goals: Duda 31, Medran 45+4 — Mané 21, 90, Al Amri 77.
This victory takes Al Nasr’s tally to nine points, keeping them joint-top of the table with a perfect 100% record. The hard-fought win under difficult circumstances once again proves the seriousness of their title ambitions this season.
Source: One.uz
