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JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - APRIL 30: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr looks on during the warm up prior to the AFC Champions League Elite Semi Final between Al Nassr and Kawasaki Frontale at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on April 30, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Al-Shabab hosted Al-Nassr on Thursday night in a crucial Saudi Pro League Round 33 clash, with Al-Shabab vs Al-Nassr carrying major importance in the title race. Al Shabab FC entered the match sitting 13th in the standings and looking to improve their recent form. Al Nassr FC arrived as league leaders on 79 points, narrowly ahead of Al Hilal SFC.

Kick-off took place at SHG Arena in Riyadh, where pressure remained firmly on Al-Nassr to secure another victory in this Al-Shabab vs Al-Nassr encounter.

Al-Shabab vs Al-Nassr Match Context and Form

The buildup to Al-Shabab vs Al-Nassr focused heavily on the title race and the contrasting form of both teams. Al-Nassr came into the fixture with four wins in their previous five league matches and one of the strongest attacks in the competition, averaging 2.7 goals per game.

Recent history also favored Al-Nassr. The earlier meeting this season ended in a 3–2 win for the league leaders, continuing a strong run in this fixture. Across more than 25 meetings, Al-Nassr recorded 14 wins compared to Al-Shabab’s five.

Cristiano Ronaldo remained the key figure in attack for Al-Nassr, while injuries to Sadio Mané, Mubarak Al Buainain, and Raghed Najjar reduced squad depth.

Team News and Key Players

Al-Shabab entered the game after mixed results in recent weeks, recording only one victory in their last five matches. Their defensive organization struggled against Al-Nassr’s attacking quality.

Mohammed Harbush missed the match through injury, limiting Al-Shabab’s options. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr looked to control possession and continue their push toward the league title.

With only a few rounds remaining in the season, this Al-Shabab vs Al-Nassr clash carried major significance at both ends of the table.

Half-Time Update: Al-Nassr Hold Narrow Lead

Al Nassr FC led Al Shabab FC 2–1 at half-time after an intense opening 45 minutes in the Saudi Pro League.

João Félix gave Al-Nassr a dream start by scoring in the 3rd minute before adding a second goal in the 10th minute. His quick movement and finishing caused major problems for the Al-Shabab defense early in the match.

Al-Nassr controlled much of the first half after the fast start, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané helping stretch the home side’s back line.

Al Shabab FC responded in the 30th minute through Yannick Carrasco, who reduced the deficit and brought momentum back to the hosts.

Late in the half, drama followed after a VAR review involving Aymeric Laporte. Al-Shabab appealed for a penalty, and the decision increased tension before the break.

The match remained open despite Al-Nassr’s early dominance. Al-Shabab’s performance improved after conceding two goals, and they pushed forward more confidently as the half went on.

At the interval, Al-Nassr held the advantage, but the game still looked far from decided heading into the second half.

Full-Time: Al-Nassr Strengthen Title Push With Away Win

Al Nassr FC defeated Al Shabab FC 4–2 in a dramatic Saudi Pro League clash, with João Félix scoring a hat-trick to lead the visitors to victory.

Félix had already scored twice in the opening stages before the second half delivered more drama. Cristiano Ronaldo extended Al-Nassr’s lead in the 75th minute, scoring his 907th career goal to make it 3–1.

The hosts responded quickly through Ali Al-Bulaihi in the 80th minute, cutting the deficit to 3–2 and increasing pressure late in the match.

However, Félix sealed the result in stoppage time. The Portuguese forward converted a penalty in the 90+8th minute to complete his hat-trick and secure the 4–2 win.

There was still late tension after Abderrazak Hamdallah missed a penalty deep into added time, ending Al-Shabab’s hopes of another comeback.

Yannick Carrasco and Al-Bulaihi scored for Al-Shabab, but Al-Nassr’s attacking quality proved decisive throughout the night.

The victory keeps Al-Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 82 points, maintaining pressure in a tight title race heading into the final stretch of the season.