Al Nassr, managed by Jorge Jesus, who started Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix against Al Fayha, regained the leadership of the Saudi league by defeating Pedro Emanuel's team 3-1 in the 24th round. CR7 missed a penalty in the first half, while João Félix was decisive. Al Nassr started strong, as expected, and Mikel Villanueva nearly provided the first goal of the match. The former Vitória de Guimarães set up João Félix, who attempted an Olympic goal in the 6th minute, but failed. In the 9th minute, Jorge Jesus's team had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Mikel Villanueva fouled Simakan, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Cristiano Ronaldo took the ball but missed. The ball deflected off the right post of Mosquera's goal and went out of play. Al Fayha began to grow into the game, and former Arouca player Jason nearly scored from a corner. Bento had a scare. In the 41st minute, Al Nassr had a great opportunity, but João Félix shot too hard and over the bar. Just before halftime, Al Fayha took the lead without having to make a shot on target. Inigo Martínez lost the ball, and Al Amri ended up deflecting a cross into his own net. Right at the start of the second half, Smalling prevented Cristiano Ronaldo from scoring with a huge clearance. The Al Nassr captain came close to equalizing with a powerful left-footed shot, which was saved by Mosquera. Al Nassr tried to break through Al Fayha's defense but struggled until, in the 72nd minute, Coman found Mané, who only had to tap in to make it 1-1. Al Nassr pressed on, and Coman almost completed the turnaround, but Mosquera filled the goal. The comeback eventually came with a Portuguese accent. João Félix shot strongly, the ball was returned by the post, but it hit Mosquera and went into the net. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had shown signs of fatigue towards Jorge Jesus's bench, was substituted in the 81st minute. Al Hamdan came on for him and, just four minutes later, extended Al Nassr's lead with an assist from João Félix. Al Nassr suffered but regained the leadership of the Saudi league, accumulating 61 points. Al Fayha remains with 27 points in 12th place.
Al Nassr Jorge Jesus remains central to this story.
Al Nassr Jorge Jesus remains central to this story.
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