Al-Nassr’s run of victories in the Saudi Pro League stopped at 11 matches after a 2-2 draw with Al-Ettifaq at EGO Stadium in Dammam on Tuesday night. A late strike from Georginio Wijnaldum ensured both teams shared the points in a contest filled with momentum swings.
Al-Nassr’s run of victories in the Saudi Pro League stopped at 11 matches after a 2-2 draw with Al-Ettifaq at EGO Stadium in Dammam on Tuesday night. A late strike from Georginio Wijnaldum ensured both teams shared the points in a contest filled with momentum swings.
Controversy surfaced almost instantly when Saad Al-Nasser received a straight dismissal for a foul on Madallah Al-Olayan inside the opening six minutes. The VAR monitor was consulted, and the punishment was downgraded to a booking, allowing the visitors to keep a full complement of players on the pitch.
The home side asserted control following the incident. Moussa Dembele threatened with an early chance before Wijnaldum opened the scoring in the 16th minute, bending a shot into the far corner from the edge of the box to reflect Al-Ettifaq’s positive start.
Marek Rodak became a decisive figure before the interval, producing several key interventions to deny Al-Nassr. Sultan Al-Ghannam also rattled the crossbar from range as Jorge Jesus’ men searched for a response before the break.
Joao Felix equalized only two minutes after the restart, drilling into the bottom corner to complete a swift attacking sequence that involved Angelo in the build-up. The shift in tempo suited the visitors as they grew into the match with greater control and pressure.
The league leaders struck again in the 67th minute. Felix’s shot deflected off Cristiano Ronaldo and past Rodak, a touch that placed both stars level on 13 league goals this term. Al-Nassr continued to push forward, dominating the ball and generating opportunities in the final third.
Despite heavy pressure and a total of 26 attempts on goal, Al-Nassr could not secure a decisive third. Al-Ettifaq remained in contention and looked for moments to counter against the leaders’ advanced defensive line.
Radhi Al-Otaibi made an immediate difference after coming off the bench. In the 80th minute, he latched onto a direct pass in behind and squared for Wijnaldum, who converted from close range to complete his brace and tie the contest at 2-2. The Dutch midfielder’s goal continued his recent habit of scoring against Al-Nassr, having struck twice against them in a 3-2 victory last season.
Al-Nassr attempted to restore their advantage, but Rodak stood firm in the closing stages. The goalkeeper stopped Angelo in the 88th minute, denied Ronaldo with a reflex stop in added time, and tipped away a late effort from Kingsley Coman to preserve the draw.
The result leaves Al-Nassr at the top of the table with 31 points from 11 matches. Al-Ettifaq stays eighth, now holding 16 points after their resilient performance at home.
