Despite a goal from Sadio Mane, his first in Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr lost to Al Attifaq (1-2) on Monday night, the first day of the Saudi Pro League. A defeat for the Royal Club which marked a bad start to their season.
Unlike other Saudi giants, including Benzema’s Al Ittihad or Kalidou Koulibaly’s Al Hilal, Al Nassr will not start their season with a win. The Riyadh-based club lost to Al-Ettifaq on Monday night on the opening day of the Saudi Pro League. Defeated the vice-champions of Saudi Arabia 2–1 on the road at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium.
Deprived of most of their recruits like Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, Sekou Fofana, Andersen Talisca and Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr had however started the meeting well. Less than five minutes after kick-off, Luis Castro’s men were already ahead. Sadio Mane got his men on track, on good work from Ali Al-Hasan. The first goal in Saudi Arabia for the Senegalese international, who arrived from Bayern Munich this summer. Dominating, the visitors would press for double the bet… without success.
When they return from the locker room, the atmosphere will be in favor of the locals. After a mistake by goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Robin Quaisen equalizes for his team (47′, 1-1) then Moussa Dembele, receiving a fine cross, punishes the opposition defense (53′, 2-1) ). Al Nassr thus bow out and they will have to do better against Al-Tawoon team on the second day of the Saudi Championship to try to get their first points in this Saudi Championship, which will undoubtedly be higher than last season.