Al Ittihad's 2-1 win over Al Nassr in the fifth round of the Roshn League brought more than just three points. After the match, club legend Mohamed Noor openly questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's influence and Al Nassr's approach to big games. The official Saudi Pro League match page noted that this result ended Al Nassr's perfect start to the season and shifted the early title race.
Pre-match coverage framed the clash as a fifth-round Saudi Pro League title-race fixture, with Al Nassr entering on a perfect four-win start and Al Ittihad unbeaten after four games.
Al Ittihad took control early, with George Ilenikhena scoring twice in the first 22 minutes. The official Saudi Pro League report confirmed that Ilenikhena's two goals decided the match. Angelo scored for Al Nassr before halftime, but the visitors could not break down Al Ittihad's defense in the second half. Goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic made key saves to keep the lead, moving Al Ittihad to fourth with 11 points. Al Nassr stayed at 12, losing ground to leaders Al Hilal, who now lead by three points according to LiveScore.
Noor's criticism went beyond individuals. He argued that Al Ittihad's mentality in these matches always unsettles Al Nassr, no matter the league form. "Even when Al Ittihad are not at their best, they make life difficult for Al Nassr. The match is never easy for them," he said. Noor contrasted the teams, accusing Al Nassr of playing "with names only, without effort or aggression," and praised Al Ittihad's team spirit and determination.
Al Ittihad's roster context includes the legacy of Mohamed Noor, with the club having retired his number 18 shirt for around 13 years after his departure in 2013. This tradition underscores the club's respect for its icons and the continuity of its competitive spirit, as reported by Goal.
Noor's comments cut through the usual post-match talk. Al Nassr's strategy of collecting big names is under scrutiny, especially when those players do not deliver in key moments. Al Ittihad's win, built on organization and intensity, is a reminder that in Saudi football's biggest games, reputation alone is not enough. For Al Nassr, the message is clear: without teamwork and discipline, even the most famous players can be left on the sidelines.
