The very recent Al Hilal vs Al Nassr match in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 season took place on April 4, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. This high-profile Riyadh derby ended with Al Nassr defeating Al Hilal 3-1, and the highlights from this match have been widely discussed and shared, including on platforms like X formerly twitter.
Below is a breakdown of the key highlights based on available information and current sentiment trending on X:
Match Overview
Final Score: Al Hilal 1-3 Al Nassr
Date: April 4, 2025
Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Competition: Saudi Pro League 2024-25, Match day 26
Key Highlights
First Goal – Ali Al Hassan (45+4′)
Al Nassr took the lead just before halftime in stoppage time. Midfielder Ali Al Hassan scored a stunning long-range strike from outside the box after a short corner routine. The ball curled into the top-left corner, leaving Al Hilal’s goalkeeper Bono helpless.
Impact: This goal gave Al Nassr a 1-0 lead at the break and set the tone for their dominance. Fans on X praised the brilliance of the shot, with posts highlighting Al Hassan’s precision and calling it a “wonder goal.”
Second Goal – Cristiano Ronaldo (47′)
Early in the second half, Ronaldo doubled Al Nassr’s lead. Sadio Mane led a rapid counter-attack after a midfield turnover, driving forward and delivering a precise pass to Ronaldo inside the box. Ronaldo finished clinically with his left foot past Bono.
Impact: This goal showcased Ronaldo’s enduring quality and Al Nassr’s ability to exploit transitions. Posts on X celebrated Ronaldo’s contribution, with fans dubbing him the “GOAT” and noting his pivotal role in the derby.
Al Hilal’s Response – Ali Albulayhi (62′)
Al Hilal pulled one back through defender Ali Albulayhi, who scored from a corner kick. The goal came as Al Hilal pressed to regain control, capitalizing on a set-piece opportunity.
Impact: This briefly reignited hope for Al Hilal, reducing the score to 2-1 and shifting momentum. However, their inability to convert further chances was a talking point online, with some noting their lack of sharpness in the final third.
Third Goal – Cristiano Ronaldo (88′, Penalty)
Ronaldo sealed the victory late in the game with a penalty kick. After a VAR review confirmed a handball by an Al Hilal defender, Ronaldo stepped up and powerfully converted the spot-kick, making it 3-1.
Impact: This goal ended Al Hilal’s comeback hopes and marked Ronaldo’s brace, further fueling excitement on X. Fans highlighted his composure under pressure, with posts emphasizing his status as Al Nassr’s talisman.
Additional Moments
Ronaldo’s Early Injury Scare: In the 12th minute, Ronaldo appeared to injure his shoulder while defending a corner but returned after treatment, showing resilience that was noted by supporters online.
Al Nassr’s Defensive Resilience: Despite Al Hilal’s possession dominance (59.3% vs. Al Nassr’s 40.7%), Al Nassr defended stoutly and countered effectively, a strategy praised in trending discussions.
Statistical Highlights: Al Nassr had 18 shot attempts (8 on target) compared to Al Hilal’s 16 (3 on target), reflecting their clinical edge. Al Hilal earned 10 corners to Al Nassr’s 7, but failed to capitalize.