In the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 season, there was Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr, a match which Al-Ittihad won ‘narrowly’ 2-1. It was a scoreline which was witnessed in the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. The Saudi pro league encounter was not short on entertainment, dramatic events as well as the match winning Steven Bergwijn, who scored the decisive goal late in the game. The fans got to witness a talent laden contest and one that was nerve racking to the end as Francis Kiojoyei’s Al Ittihad FC further consolidated their position in the league table.
First Half: ostart with a Bang
The match started with both teams showing why they were among the top teams in the league. Al-Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané leading the line, was the better of the two teams, showing aggression and pressuring the opponent quickly with a queue of chances. On the other hand, Al Aittihad, who are known for sitting back and hitting their opponents quickly with counter attacks formed an organized wall and waited for the right time.
One of the earliest chances of the game occurred in 15 minutes when Ronaldo managed to shoot from the edge of the box. However, the Al Ittihad goalkeeper, Marcelo Grohe, had other ideas as his shot was indirectly a goal as he stopped the star player of Portugal. Al Ittihad took the area with an attacking move but Bergwijn’s dagger was blocked by the futsa steering their goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi.
The 27 minute saw the first goal being scored.
Sadio Mane of Al Nassr calmly opened the scoring after capitalizing on a mistake made by the Al Ittihad defenders as he managed to find the back of the net. The very same Senegalese forward, utilizing his signature style, managed to dribble past two defenders to score and gave the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Still, they did not force Al Ittihad to give up. The home side turned up ‘the heat’ and their persistence earned them in the sustaining minute of the first half where Romarinho scored to equalize the game. The Brazilian striker heading the ball over Al-Aqidi’s head from an accurate cross from Igor Coronado. Half time ended with the two teams even at one goal apiece as the fought evenly throughout the first half.
The Second Half: Tactical Battles And High Tension Conflicts
In the second half, both teams preferred to make slight adjustments in their tactics. For Al Nasr, ball possession came high on their agenda under the direction of Brozović, Al-Ghannam, and Otávio. So did their complement, Al Ittihad, aim to disrupt the rhythm of Al Nasr as the latter defended more.
Al-Nassr’s goal return was restored by Ronaldo’s kick till Grohe responded again in the 56th through a free kick. In Al Nasr’s defensive third, Bergwijn couldn’t cut it short to give up at last.
As both sides’ match wore on, players began to feel fatigued which made for an increasingly free-flowing contest. So did both sides during the starting minutes of the second half, but managed to wait till the 83rd to squeeze through the goalpost of Al Ittihad.
Bergwijn had an opportunity with the ball just outside the penalty arch after the efficient counteroffensive. The deft English winger sent the ball flying into the top corner, leaving Al-Aqidi speechless. Al-Ittihad went on to grab a 2-1 lead, and the local fans cheered with delight.
Definitive Moments: Al-Ittihad’s Resistance Was First Rate
Al-Nassr pressed Al-Ittihad throughout the final moments of the match, with Ronaldo and Mané both hoping to claim in an equalizer. Their attempts proved fruitless though, as Ahmed Hegazi, Shielded by Al-Ittihad’s back line. Grohe made another key stop late in the second half in a bid to stop Ronaldo, meaning that the home side were able to take home all the points available from the match.
Al-Nassr threw all they could in an attempt to break through Al-Ittihad’s resolute defense, but the final whistle came earlier than younger fans would have anticipated, and Al-Ittihad celebrated a phenomenal rush.
Al-Ittihad’s goalscorer who bagged a brace in that match, Dutch international Steven Bergwijn became the focal point of attention in many, rightly so, as for his precise movements animated him into the history books of Saudi Pro League glory.
Saves from Goalie Marcelo Grohe made headlines every single time, and for an excellent cause – those were the exact saves that won the game! His phenomenal reaction to Ronaldo at the dying moments of the stoppage time was just a cherry on top.
Sadio Mané of Al-Nassr managed to score the opening goal, but that didn’t reflect his team’s dismal performance throughout the match. Surprisingly, Mané did look dangerous every time he had the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr Football Club): Ronaldo was not on target, but he took the role of a leader, working hard and getting many attempts and troubling Grohe numerous times as well.
League Table Effects
This victory was of great help for Al-Ittihad since they now reached second position in the Saudi Pro League and also closed the gap behind the league leaders. For Al-Nassr, the loss was a blow in their race for the title; however, with a good number of games left, there remains room for them to recover.
Final Thoughts
The clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr indicated how Saudi Pro League is becoming more and more competitive. Steven Bergwijn’s bravery and the purpose shown by Al Ittihad will be remembered as the turning of their season. Fans of the beautiful game around the world including those famous players who turned up to watch the match enjoyed this fixture so much. From here, both teams should try to capitalize on this game as the season goes on with Al Ittihad looking to ride the wave and Al Nassr looking to bounce back.
If you are interested for more: “Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr Highlights, Saudi Pro League 2024-25: Bergwijn’s Late Strike Secures 2-1 Victory for ITT” “Bournemouth vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League Result and Final Score as Pressure Mounts on Ange Postecoglou”