Al Nassr vs Damac live updates: Sadio Mane fires Al Nassr top as title swings their way

That brilliant outswinging delivery from Joao Felix for Sadio Mane’s goal was his 13th league assist of the season. He continues to prove why he is Al Nassr’s creator in chief.

(38 min Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)

Another corner for Al Nassr and this time Joao Felix’s delivery is met emphatically by Sadio Mane, who powers home a brilliant header to give the hosts the lead.

As it stands, Al Nassr are the Saudi Pro League champions.

(35 min Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)

Not many big chances so far apart from Sadio Mane’s effort, but Al Nassr have dominated possession and territory throughout the game. They now need a moment of magic from someone to break the deadlock.

The big question is how long Damac can keep their shape intact as they continue to sit very deep and park the bus.

(30 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Al Nassr win another corner and the deep delivery creates a couple of pinball moments with the head inside the box, but goalkeeper Kevin eventually gathers it comfortably.

(28 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Two yellow cards in quick succession for Damac players, with the latest coming after Kingsley Coman was brought down while bursting forward with the ball.

(25 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Damac’s relegation rivals Al Riyadh are already in the lead elsewhere, meaning Damac now need to get something from this match to secure survival.

(25 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Kingsley Coman burst down the right channel after being picked out with a smart pass before delivering a dangerous cross into the box. Sadio Mane made a clever central run inside the six yard area but fired straight at goalkeeper Kevin. The rebound then fell to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose header went over the bar.

The pattern of the game is well established now. It is attack versus defence.

(21 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Elsewhere, Al Fayha have a goal ruled out against Al Hilal, allowing the league leaders to keep their advantage intact for now.

(19 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0 | Al Fayha 0 Al Hilal 1)

Cristiano Ronaldo won a free kick in the left half space of the final third and initially looked ready to take it himself before Joao Felix stepped up instead. Felix’s delivery was parried away by the goalkeeper just before Simakan could get his head to it.

(17 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Damac concede a cheap corner and Al Nassr nearly make them pay. The delivery was punched away by the goalkeeper, but it fell kindly to Al Khaibari, who smashed his effort just wide. Ronaldo tried to guide it on target on the way through but could not make contact.

(16 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

A yellow card has been shown to someone on Jorge Jesus’ bench, though it is still unclear whether it was the Al Nassr manager himself or a member of his staff. Jesus looks absolutely furious as Damac goalkeeper Kevin continues taking his time over every goal kick.

Damac are clearly trying to frustrate Al Nassr and slow the game down at every opportunity.

(14 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Joao Felix was seen counting towards the referee as the Damac goalkeeper held onto the ball. A reminder that goalkeepers are supposed to release it within seven seconds.

(11 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Ten minutes played and Al Nassr are yet to create a meaningful chance. Damac are successfully turning this into a stop start affair, slowing the tempo and hoofing the ball clear whenever needed.

(10 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Elsewhere, Sultan Mandash has given Al Hilal an early 1-0 lead against Al Fayha. As it stands, Al Hilal will be crowned champions. Al Nassr need to score no matter what.

(7 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0 | Al Fayha 0 Al Hilal 1)

Al Nassr would love an early goal to ease the pressure, but Damac are expected to stay compact, keep things tight, and turn this into a nervy contest.

(5 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Al Nassr will certainly feel the absence of Marcelo Brozovic, whose control and composure in midfield could be badly missed tonight.

(3 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Damac deliver the first dangerous cross into the Al Nassr box inside the opening minute, but Al Nassr deal with it comfortably.

(1 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been Al Nassr’s most influential player this season, scoring 26 league goals under Jorge Jesus after adapting to a more traditional target man role inside the box.

However, the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot now appears to be slipping away from the Portuguese star. Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney leads the scoring charts with 32 goals, while Al Qadisiyah’s Julian Quiones sits second with 30.

If both teams finish level on points, many fans would naturally expect goal difference to decide the title, similar to the English Premier League. However, the Saudi Pro League follows a completely different set of tie breakers.

If two teams are tied on points, the league first considers:

• Most points earned in head to head matches
• Superior head to head goal difference
• Most goals scored in head to head matches

And this is exactly where Al Hilal hold a huge advantage.

During the season, Al Hilal defeated Al Nassr 3-1 in one meeting, while the second clash ended 1-1. That means Hilal collected four points from the two head to head encounters, while Nassr managed just one.

A point will secure their safety regardless of other results, as they hold the head to head advantage over Al Riyadh.

Damac will have to cope without midfielder Abdullah Al Qahtani, who is unavailable for this crucial clash