In a pulsating encounter on April 22, 2025, Al Nassr edged past Damac FC with a last-gasp goal, clinching a 3-2 win that keeps their AFC Champions League aspirations alive. Despite resting star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané ahead of an upcoming continental fixture, Al Nassr showcased resilience and depth to overcome a spirited Damac side.
Match Overview
- Date: April 22, 2025
- Venue: Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Competition: Saudi Pro League (Matchweek 30)
- Final Score: Damac FC 2 – 3 Al Nassr
First Half: Early Setback and Swift Response
The game kicked off with Al Nassr taking charge right away, holding onto the ball and making chances. However, against the run of play, Damac’s Ramzi Solan capitalized on a defensive lapse to head home the opener in the 16th minute, giving the hosts a surprising lead.
Al Nassr responded promptly. In the 25th minute, Aymeric Laporte found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal came from a perfectly executed set-piece, with Laporte quickly reacting to a loose ball in the box.
Second Half: Momentum Swings and Late Drama
The second half mirrored the first, with Al Nassr maintaining pressure and seeking a breakthrough. Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Abdullah Al-Hassan unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area, putting the visitors ahead 2-1.
Damac, undeterred, mounted a quick response. Just three minutes later, Nicolae Stanciu curled a sublime free-kick past the Al Nassr goalkeeper, restoring parity at 2-2.
As the game was winding down, both teams were really pushing to get that winning goal. In stoppage time, Sultan Al-Ghannam emerged as the hero for Al Nassr. In the 94th minute, he latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted it past the Damac goalkeeper, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the visitors.
Key Match Statistics
- Possession: Al Nassr 66.3% – 33.7% Damac
- Goals on Target: Al Nassr 4 – 4 Damac
- Total Shots: Al Nassr 12 – 13 Damac
- Corners: Al Nassr 8 – 5 Damac
- Yellow Cards: Al Nassr 4 – 3 Damac
League Standings
This win boosts Al Nassr to 60 points, locking them in at third place in the league standings. The win is crucial in their quest for AFC Champions League qualification, especially after a recent setback against Al Qadsiah. With the league title race intensifying, every point is vital.
Damac FC, on the other hand, remains in 11th place with 31 points. While their position is relatively secure, they will aim to finish the season strongly and build momentum for the next campaign.
Looking Ahead
Al Nassr’s focus now shifts to their upcoming AFC Champions League fixture, where they will need to maintain their momentum. Subsequently, they face a challenging league match against current leaders Al Ittihad, a game that could have significant implications for the title race.
Conclusion
Al Nassr’s 3-2 win against Damac FC shows their grit and strong team depth. Overcoming the absence of key players and responding to setbacks within the match, they demonstrated resilience and a winning mentality. As the season heats up, Al Nassr aims to keep this momentum going in both local and international tournaments.
Watch complete match highlights –
Ritik Chauhan is the editor and lead writer covering breaking news, analysis and updates from the world of football, WWE and UFC. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for sports journalism, he focuses on delivering timely, credible and engaging content that informs and entertains readers.
