Riyadh: Al Nassr dropped crucial points in the Saudi Pro League title race after being held to a 1-1 draw by mid-table Al Taawoun on Friday. Despite dominating possession, the hosts struggled to capitalize on their chances, extending their inconsistent run this season.
With Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined due to illness, Al Nassr lacked their usual attacking edge in the first half, failing to register a single shot on target. However, they broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Otavio headed home a precise cross from Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem, marking his first league goal of the campaign.
The home side had opportunities to double their lead, but Jhon Durán and Sadio Mané were denied by Al Taawoun’s goalkeeper. Their wastefulness proved costly as Roger Martínez leveled the score in the 70th minute with a clinical finish into the bottom corner.
The result leaves Al Nassr in fourth place with 64 points from 32 matches, a staggering 13 points behind newly crowned champions Al Ittihad. Meanwhile, Al Taawoun remains eighth with 42 points.
Al Nassr’s next challenge will be to regroup quickly as they aim to secure a top-three finish, while Al Taawoun will look to build on this resilient performance.
