Ivan Toney Brace Powers Al-Ahli Past Al-Nassr as Ronaldo Struggles in Front of Goal

Toney shines as Al-Ahli take key win

Ivan Toney outperformed Cristiano Ronaldo as Al-Ahli defeated Al-Nassr 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, a result that tightened the focus on the league’s early title picture. Toney’s brace gave the hosts a strong platform, and while Al-Nassr recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw level by half-time, a decisive second-half goal ensured Al-Ahli claimed all three points.

The match featured a high-tempo first half with four goals, followed by a more tense second period in which Al-Nassr searched for another comeback. Late drama arrived in stoppage time when two players were sent off, though the dismissals did not change the outcome.

Fast start: Toney strikes early and doubles the lead

Al-Ahli made an immediate impact, opening the scoring in the seventh minute through Toney. The England international converted to put the hosts in front and set the tone for an energetic opening phase.

Moments later, the former Brentford striker struck again. He latched onto a long ball from deep and finished powerfully to make it 2-0, leaving the visitors stunned and forcing Al-Nassr to respond quickly to avoid losing control of the contest.

Al-Nassr’s route back: a goalkeeping error and a set-piece header

Despite being “shellshocked” at 2-0 down, Al-Nassr found a way back into the match through a costly mistake. Goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi allowed Abdulelah Al-Amri’s effort from distance to bounce through his legs, a significant error that reduced the deficit and shifted momentum.

With Ronaldo struggling to influence proceedings, it was again a defender who provided the cutting edge for Al-Nassr. Marcelo Brozovic delivered an out-swinging corner that was met by Al-Amri, whose firm header beat Al-Sanbi to level the match at 2-2 before half-time.

The equaliser completed a remarkable turnaround within the first half and underlined the unusual nature of the scoring, with centre-backs playing a prominent role in the decisive moments.

Demiral delivers the winner after Toney’s clever touch

Al-Ahli regained the lead just before the hour mark, and Toney was again central to the moment. He produced a “brilliant flick” to keep a set-piece situation alive, allowing Merih Demiral to head in and restore Al-Ahli’s advantage at 3-2.

The goal proved decisive. Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but their efforts did not yield a third goal, leaving them unable to recover for a second time.

Ronaldo and Felix off form as Al-Nassr come up short

Al-Nassr “huffed and puffed” in pursuit of another equaliser, but the attacking edge was missing. Cristiano Ronaldo endured a difficult evening, and Joao Felix was also described as off form, with neither able to provide the decisive touch required to change the result.

Ronaldo, in particular, cut a frustrated figure. He was described as a “total passenger” in the first half as the game passed him by. In the second half, he missed a chance to make it 3-3, failing to control the ball cleanly as it ran through to the goalkeeper. He later blazed a long-range effort high and wide, then gestured to the heavens in visible exasperation at his performance.

Late red cards and a first league defeat

There was additional drama in stoppage time when both Ali Majrashi and Nawaf Al-Boushail were shown red cards. However, the dismissals were ultimately inconsequential to the final scoreline, as Al-Ahli held firm to secure the points.

The defeat was Al-Nassr’s first in the league this season. The result also created an opening at the top of the table, offering Al-Hilal the chance to move above Al-Nassr on Sunday.

What the result means for both teams

On a night framed by the Saudi Pro League title race, the headline was Toney’s influence. His two goals built the early advantage and his later contribution helped create the winning goal, even if Al-Nassr managed to claw back to 2-2 by half-time.

Toney’s only likely regret was missing a relatively straightforward opportunity to complete a hat-trick, with a shot that clipped the post and rolled behind. Still, his overall impact was decisive, and his performance provided a major boost for Al-Ahli.

Even with the win, Al-Ahli remained six points behind Al-Nassr. However, the result and Toney’s display were described as confidence-building as the squad looks to reduce that gap.

Key match points

• Ivan Toney scored twice as Al-Ahli beat Al-Nassr 3-2 on Friday.
• Al-Ahli led 2-0 before Al-Nassr levelled to 2-2 by half-time.
• Al-Nassr’s comeback included a goal stemming from a goalkeeping error by Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi.
• Merih Demiral headed in the winner after Toney’s flick kept a set-piece alive.
• Cristiano Ronaldo struggled for form and missed key opportunities.
• Ali Majrashi and Nawaf Al-Boushail were sent off in stoppage time.
• The loss was Al-Nassr’s first league defeat of the season, giving Al-Hilal a chance to go top on Sunday.