Al-Ittihad hand Al-Nassr first Saudi Pro League defeat to tighten title race

Al-Nassr suffered their first Saudi Pro League defeat of the season as George Ilenikhena scored twice to earn Al-Ittihad a 2-1 victory in the fifth round of the campaign.

The result ended Al-Nassr’s run of four consecutive league wins and leaves them second in the table on 12 points. They are now three points behind leaders Al-Hilal, who have won all five of their matches so far.

Al-Ittihad moved up to fourth place with 11 points after securing an important victory in a match that featured Cristiano Ronaldo. The defeat was also the first suffered by Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou since he took charge at the start of the season, replacing Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.

Ilenikhena gave the hosts an ideal start when he opened the scoring after only four minutes. Al-Ittihad continued to control the match and doubled their advantage through the same player in the 22nd minute, leaving Al-Nassr with a difficult task.

Al-Nassr responded before half-time. Brazilian forward Angelo Gabriel reduced the deficit three minutes before the interval, putting his side back into contention and setting up a more competitive second half.

The visitors increased the pressure after the break as they searched for an equaliser. Ronaldo and Joao Felix were among those attempting to bring Al-Nassr level, but Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic produced several important interventions.

Rajkovic denied a powerful effort from Al-Nassr forward Sadio Mane, while Joao Felix also delivered a dangerous cross that Al-Ittihad defender Danilo cleared away from danger.

Ronaldo then came close to scoring when he struck a powerful shot from inside the penalty area, but Rajkovic made another strong save to preserve Al-Ittihad’s advantage and secure a valuable three points for the home side.

The match also marked the Al-Ittihad debut of Colombian midfielder Richard Rios, who recently joined the club on loan from Portuguese side Benfica.

Despite Al-Nassr’s late efforts, Al-Ittihad held on to win 2-1 and inflict a first league defeat on their opponents this season. The result has added pressure at the top of the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal maintaining their perfect record and Al-Nassr now needing to recover ground after their rapid start to the campaign.