Quick Read
- Al-Nassr defeated Al-Riyadh 1-0 in the Saudi Pro League on February 2, 2026, at Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium.
- Sadio Mané scored the only goal in the 39th minute, assisted by João Félix.
- Star captain Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the match, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with Al-Nassr’s management and investment strategies.
- The victory moved Al-Nassr to the top of the Saudi Pro League table on goal difference with 46 points.
- Al-Nassr has now secured five consecutive victories, while Al-Riyadh remains winless in 2026.
RIYADH (Azat TV) – Al-Nassr secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium, a win that propelled them to the top of the Saudi Pro League 2025-26 table on goal difference. The significant result was achieved despite the high-profile absence of star captain Cristiano Ronaldo, whose non-participation has been widely reported as a protest against the club’s management and investment strategies.
The decisive goal came in the 39th minute when Sadio Mané found the back of the net, assisted by João Félix. This sole strike proved enough to clinch three vital points for Al-Nassr, continuing their strong run of form in the league.
Ronaldo’s Absence Fuels Club Tensions
Cristiano Ronaldo, a pivotal figure for Al-Nassr, was conspicuously absent from the lineup against Al-Riyadh. Reports from multiple outlets, including Portuguese publication A Bola, ESPN, and football journalist Fabrizio Romano, indicated that the Portuguese superstar’s decision to sit out the match was not due to injury or illness, but rather a deliberate act of dissatisfaction with the club’s ownership and management by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Sources close to the situation, as cited by ummid.com and worldsoccertalk.com, suggest Ronaldo believes Al-Nassr has not received the same level of investment and squad strengthening during the winter transfer window as other PIF-backed clubs, notably rivals Al Hilal. The alleged pursuit of high-profile signings by Al Hilal, such as Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad, reportedly served as a ‘last straw’ for Ronaldo, leading him to exert pressure on the PIF to address what he perceives as an unfair competitive landscape.
Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus addressed the team’s performance, stating, “In the first half, we were not a quick-thinking team, but after talking to the players at halftime, the performance changed. This was clear in the second half.” He also downplayed the impact of midfielder Marcelo Brozović’s absence, noting, “What happened today has nothing to do with Brozovic’s absence. He is an important player in defensive balance, but the problem in the first half was that the attackers didn’t put in enough effort.”
Mané’s Decisive Strike Seals Al-Nassr Victory
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al-Nassr’s attacking prowess, spearheaded by Sadio Mané and João Félix, proved sufficient. Mané’s 39th-minute goal, described as a clinical finish from a João Félix assist, was the only one to stand. A second goal by Mané in the 92nd minute was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), adding to the match’s tension but ultimately not changing the outcome.
Al-Nassr’s starting lineup featured Bento Krepski in goal, with a defensive line of Sultan Al Ghanam, Mohamed Simakan, Iñigo Martinez, and Saad Al Nasser. The midfield included Sadio Mané, Ali Al Hassan, Ângelo, and Ayman Yahya, supporting João Félix and Abdulrahman Ghareeb in attack. Coach Jorge Jesus had to make strategic adjustments, with Ghareeb filling the central forward role in Ronaldo’s stead.
On the opposing side, Al-Riyadh, under coach José Daniel Carreño, fielded Borjan; Al-Harfi, Al-Khaibari, Barbet, Al-Bawardi; Toze, Soro, Al Siyahi, Bayesh; Haroun, and Mamadou Sylla. Despite having a full roster, Al-Riyadh struggled to break through Al-Nassr’s defense and extend their winless streak in 2026, having drawn their last three games.
Al-Nassr’s Ascent in a Tight Saudi Pro League Race
The 1-0 win marked Al-Nassr’s fifth consecutive victory, showcasing their regained competitive rhythm after a challenging start to 2026. This impressive run has been crucial for their title aspirations. With the three points earned against Al-Riyadh, Al-Nassr now sits atop the Saudi Pro League table with 46 points from 19 games, boasting 15 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, and a goal difference that places them ahead of rivals.
The league standings remain incredibly tight. Al Hilal, another top Saudi club, currently holds 47 points. However, their match against Al-Ahli on the same day ended in a draw, with a potential winning goal by Salem Al-Dawsari also being disallowed by VAR. This outcome allowed Al-Nassr to seize the lead based on goal difference, intensifying the competition at the summit of the Saudi Pro League.
The victory underscores Al-Nassr’s determination to reclaim the league title. Their ability to secure crucial points against a resilient Al-Riyadh, especially in the face of internal club dynamics surrounding their star player, highlights the team’s depth and tactical adaptability. The championship race is expected to remain fierce, with both Al-Nassr and Al Hilal vying for supremacy in what has become a compelling season.
The strategic decision by Al-Nassr to play and win without Cristiano Ronaldo, while his reported grievances about club investment continue to surface, paradoxically demonstrates the team’s resilience and depth, yet simultaneously brings into sharper focus the underlying tensions that could influence future player relations and the club’s long-term trajectory.