Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League Title Hopes Dented After Controversial Loss to Al Ettifaq

Image credits: The Hindu

Al Nassr's chances of winning the Saudi Pro League title have taken a significant hit after they suffered a 3-2 loss to Al Ettifaq, with a controversial red card decision against Jhon Duran sparking frustration among the team. The loss has left Al Nassr eight points behind leader Al Ittihad, with Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante's team in control of the title race. Despite having stars like Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic, the defense continues to struggle, and Italian coach Stefano Pioli has yet to build a solid team.

The match saw a dramatic turn of events when Jhon Duran was given a straight red card in the 93rd minute for lightly brushing his head against Abdulelah Al Malki, a decision that was widely considered controversial. The red card triggered Cristiano Ronaldo's frustration with the referee, and he confronted the official, demanding a review of the play. When he did not get it, Ronaldo exploded with rage and threw the ball away in frustration. The defeat severely damages Al Nassr's chances of winning the Saudi Pro League title, and it would be another setback for Ronaldo's ambitious project.

The loss has also highlighted the team's defensive weaknesses, with the absence of Simakan leading to a lack of consistency in the defense. The team's reliance on the Laporte-Simakan defensive partnership has been exposed, and the club must make key signings to strengthen the squad if they want to win titles. Al Nassr has gone two consecutive games without a win, and this recent slump pushes them further away from the Saudi Pro League title. The team's standings are as follows:

• Al Ittihad: 1st place
• Qadisiya: 2nd place
• Al Nassr: 3rd place, eight points behind Al Ittihad

Despite the setback, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 16 goals, and his performances on the field continue to prove his worth. However, the team's defensive struggles are a collective failure, and it is unfair to blame Ronaldo for the team's shortcomings. If Al Nassr wants to win titles, they should follow Al Ittihad's example and invest heavily in midfield and defense to give them solidity and make them league leaders.

The Saudi Pro League standings are a testament to the competitive nature of the league, with several teams vying for the top spot. The schedule for the remaining matches is as follows:

1. Al Nassr vs. Al Shabab: February 25, 2025
2. Al Ittihad vs. Al Hilal: February 26, 2025
3. Qadisiya vs. Al Ettifaq: February 27, 2025

The matches will be crucial in determining the final standings of the league, and Al Nassr will need to regroup and refocus if they want to make a comeback in the title race.

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