"Sadio Mane came to Al-Nassr's rescue for the second time this week as the Pro League title challengers edged out Al-Ittihad despite Cristiano Ronaldo's absence. Ronaldo remained on strike as his protest against the management of the club - and what he perceives as the preferential treatment offered to rivals Al-Hilal - continued into a second game. The Portugal striker's name was conspicuous by its absence when the team sheets were revealed and the saga is set to continue until peace talks find a resolution."
"Ronaldo may not be feeling the love from Al-Nassr chiefs - and, in particular, majority owners the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund - but the Riyadh crowd showed their support with banners and cards in the seventh minute that displayed the player's name and number. The 41-year-old's absence was certainly having an impact on the field with Al-Ittihad, playing without Karim Benzema, whose move to Al-Hilal proved the final straw for Ronaldo, making much of the early running."
"The visitors thought they had a penalty in the 10th minute when Mohamed Simakan appeared to handle in the area but referee Slavko Vincic ruled in Al-Nassr's favour. Another Al-Ittihad penalty shout was waved away shortly after before the home side finally strung a few passes together, Joao Felix and Mane combining nicely before defender Hassan Kadish did well to get the block in."
Al-Nassr defeated Al-Ittihad after Sadio Mane converted a penalty with six minutes remaining, and Angelo added a stoppage-time second to move Al-Nassr within a point of Al-Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo stayed off the team sheet as his strike over club management and perceived preferential treatment toward Al-Hilal continued, prompting fans to display banners in his support. Al-Ittihad, missing Karim Benzema, controlled the early play and had two penalty appeals denied. Joao Felix and Mane combined well, Hassan Kadish made a key block, and several players tested the goalkeepers with notable chances.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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