Al-Nassr gained their 25th Saudi Pro League win of the season as they defeated Al-Akhdoud thanks to a brace and late winner from Marcelo Brozovic.
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- Al-Nassr beat Al-Akhdoud 3-2
- Al-Akhdoud fight from 2-0 down
- Brozovic late winner hands Al-Nassr the win
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TELL ME MORE
Al-Nassr started the game in cruise control and took an early lead thanks to a stunning goal by Brozovic, and never looked in trouble after taking the lead. Cristiano Ronaldo soon followed up with the second goal of the night after Saeed Al-Rabiei gave away the ball to Ali Al-Hassan in the box, who found the Saudi Pro League top scorer with ease in front of an open goal. Al-Akhdoud managed to garner more control in the second half and goals from Hassan Al-Habib and Saviour Godwin brought them level. However, in another twist in the tale a late half-volley from Brozovic handed Ronaldo's side all three points on the night.
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THE MVP
Brozovic opened the scoring and ended the game in injury time and it was his brace that allowed Al-Nassr to keep the league alive at least for another couple of days. Both goals showcased the Croatian's sheer ball-striking ability as his first came from outside the box before he won the game for Al-Nassr with a superb half-volley.
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THE BIG LOSER
Lack of rotation and game management from stand-in coach Vitor Severino meant that his side failed to keep control of the game as Al-Akhdoud managed to dominate the second half and introduced jitters in the Al-Nassr defence, who collapsed to concede twice in 10 minutes and almost handed the league title to Al-Hilal before Brozovic's winner.
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WHAT COMES NEXT?
Despite having denied Al-Hilal the title tonight, Al-Nassr's win may have done nothing but delay the inevitable as avoiding defeat on Saturday, May 11 would be enough for Al-Hilal to confirm their place as champions. If that does happen, Al-Nassr will have to give Hilal a guard of honour on May 17.
