Overview
- The victory moves Al-Hilal seven points clear after 14 matches, handing Al-Nassr a third straight league defeat to start 2026.
- Cristiano Ronaldo put Al-Nassr ahead in the 42nd minute for his 959th career goal and 16th of the season, and he reportedly drew level with the club’s foreign scoring record on 115.
- Mohamed Simakan’s foul on Malcom led to Salem Al-Dawsari’s equalizer from the spot, shortly before goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi was sent off on VAR review by referee François Letexier.
- Mohamed Kanno made it 2-1 in the 81st minute and Rúben Neves converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal Al-Hilal’s comeback.
- Ronaldo was visibly frustrated after being substituted and appeared to signal displeasure with officiating, while coach Jorge Jesus called Al-Aqidi’s red card “extremely harsh”; both sides were missing AFCON call-ups including Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou and Sadio Mané.