Coman cements title tilt, Jesus dances, while Ronaldo plays through illness

Coman cements title tilt, Jesus dances, while Ronaldo plays through illness

Al Nassr took another step towards the Roshn Saudi League title with a gritty 1-0 home victory against at Al Ettifaq on Wednesday night.

The league leaders, last champions in the 2018-19 season, extended their advantage at the summit to eight points thanks to Kingsley Coman’s 31st-minute winner at a packed Al Awwal Park.

The win, a club record-extending 15th in the RSL, keeps Al Nassr’s hunt for the top-flight trophy firmly on track, although nearest rivals Al Hilal, and Al Ahli in third - the Asian champions are 10 points back - do have a game in hand as they have this week contested the AFC Champions League Elite.

Al Nassr had numerous chances to seal a more comprehensive result, but for some fine goalkeeping from Al Ettifaq No.1 Marek Rodak, the woodwork, and some frustrating finishing from the hosts. The visitors also had Jack Hendry sent off in injury-time for a foul on Joao Felix.

Afterwards, Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo had played through illness, the club captain substituted in the final minute of normal time having been dealing with a stomach issue.

Chasing a record-equalling third RSL golden boot, Ronaldo had failed to add to his 24 league goals this season. As such, he remains two behind second-placed Julian Quinones, of Al Qadsiah, and three back from the frontrunner, Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney.

Ronaldo did, though, have a hand in the winner: it was his long-range effort just after the half hour that Rodak could only parry, leaving summer signing Coman to pounce on the rebound to round the Slovakia international and slot into the empty net.

Ronaldo, 41, later hit the post and had an effort cleared brilliantly off the line by Hendry.

Speaking afterwards, Jesus said of the five-time Ballon d'Or: “I was thinking of not including him; he wasn't in good shape. He was suffering from stomach pains and a general feeling of fatigue and, when I substituted him, he went straight to the dressing room and threw up.”

However, posting later on social media, Ronaldo said: “[Three more points]. Great energy in the stands.”

Jesus certainly concurred, the 2023-24 title-winner with Al Hilal dancing a little jig in front of the Al Nassr faithful at the final whistle.

“Today, our stadium was in an exceptional and wonderful atmosphere,” he said. “And our fans have become more and more convinced of the possibility of achieving the goal, and they gave us tremendous energy throughout the match.

“Al Nassr is not used to winning titles, especially the Saudi League, so the players have started to feel that we are approaching the goal - and the fans have also begun to believe that we are close to achieving it.”

Three of Al Nassr's final five RSL matches come against teams directly below them in the table, with home matches against Al Ahli and Al Hilal and a trip to fourth-placed Al Qadsiah.