Arabian Weekly report
RIYADH — Al-Ettifaq secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Al-Nassr on Friday in a heated Saudi Pro League clash, as Cristiano Ronaldo voiced his frustration with the refereeing decisions.
The result lifted Al-Ettifaq to 28 points, placing them eighth in the league standings, while Al-Nassr remained at 44 points in fourth place.
The defeat leaves Al-Nassr three points ahead of Al-Ahli, who sit in fifth, while they trail Al-Qadsiah by three points in third place, and Al-Hilal by four points in second.
League leaders Al-Ittihad hold an eight-point advantage over Al-Nassr ahead of their highly anticipated showdown against Al-Hilal on Saturday.
Al-Nassr opened the scoring early in the second half when Ayman Yahya found the net in the 47th minute, but Al-Ettifaq responded swiftly as Georginio Wijnaldum equalized in the 55th minute.
Mohammed Al-Fatil restored Al-Nassr’s lead in the 65th minute, but an own goal by Al-Fatil in the 82nd minute handed Al-Ettifaq a crucial equalizer.
Just as the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Wijnaldum struck again in the 89th minute, sealing a stunning win for Al-Ettifaq.
Tensions flared in stoppage time as Al-Nassr’s John Duran received a red card in the second minute of added time for an off-the-ball incident involving AbduliIlah Al-Malki.
Ronaldo and Al-Nassr players vehemently protested the decision, arguing that Duran’s contact was not severe enough to warrant a dismissal.
The victory extends Al-Ettifaq’s strong form under head coach Saad Al-Shehri, who took charge following the departure of Steven Gerrard.