Al-Nassr announced their title ambitions in emphatic fashion, thrashing Al-Taawoun 5-0 in their Saudi Pro League opener, a match highlighted by Joao Felix's sensational hat-trick on his league debut. The victory, secured on Friday, showcased Al-Nassr’s potent attacking force and sent a clear message to their rivals after finishing 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad in the previous season.
The match began with Al-Nassr immediately asserting their dominance. Joao Felix wasted no time in making his mark, finding the net just seven minutes into the game. After being skillfully set up by Angelo, Felix unleashed a precise, low left-footed shot that nestled perfectly into the far corner, leaving the Al-Taawoun defense stunned. The early goal set the tone for what would become a dominant performance by the home side.
Despite the early breakthrough, Al-Nassr couldn’t extend their lead throughout the remainder of the first half. However, the second half saw an even more determined Al-Nassr emerge. The floodgates opened just nine minutes after the restart when Al-Nassr was awarded a penalty following a handball inside the area by Waleed Al Ahmad. Cristiano Ronaldo, never one to shy away from the spotlight, confidently stepped up to take the penalty. With a composed finish, he sent goalkeeper Abdulquddus Atiah the wrong way, doubling Al-Nassr's advantage and igniting the crowd.
Just over a minute later, Kingsley Coman, also making his Pro League debut, etched his name onto the scoresheet. In a moment of brilliance, Coman capitalized on a long punt forward from Al-Nassr goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi. Showing excellent awareness and technique, Coman looped a header over the stranded goalkeeper, extending Al-Nassr’s lead and effectively sealing the victory. The quick succession of goals demonstrated Al-Nassr’s ruthlessness and their ability to capitalize on any opportunity.
Joao Felix then added to his tally in the 67th minute with a moment of pure brilliance. The Portuguese forward picked out the top-right corner with a stunning, unstoppable finish, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Felix completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute, capping off a memorable debut. After Ronaldo’s deflected cross struck the crossbar, the ball fell kindly into Felix's path, allowing him to tap in from close range. The goal not only completed Felix's hat-trick but also underlined the team’s cohesive attacking play.
Al-Nassr's dominant performance was reflected in the statistics. The team finished the game with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.46 from their 21 shots, a stark contrast to Al-Taawoun’s meager 0.11 from just four attempts. Joao Felix was the standout performer, scoring his three goals from just five attempts, with four of those shots hitting the target. He also created three chances, second only to Angelo, who created four for Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo, as always, played a pivotal role in the victory. Since his Pro League debut, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been the most influential player in the competition, with 91 goal involvements (75 goals and 16 assists). He continues to be the leading scorer in this period, demonstrating his enduring quality and commitment to Al-Nassr.
This resounding victory serves as a statement of intent from Al-Nassr, who are determined to challenge for the Saudi Pro League title this season. With a blend of established stars and exciting new talents like Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman, Al-Nassr look well-equipped to mount a serious challenge and dethrone Al-Ittihad. The emphatic win against Al-Taawoun has undoubtedly boosted their confidence and set a high bar for the rest of the season.
