Why is Chelsea's season suddenly falling apart?!

Culture & Clobber Axis: Jude's new look, gold Zidane Preds & more

Welcome to Amad Diallo's world 

Nunez CAN score goals! Huge late drama as Liverpool march on

Madrid's biggest problem? They've still not replaced Kroos

Editors' Picks

'Who does he think he is?' - Keane slams 'rubbish' Stewart

Zlatan offers brutal response to Ronaldo’s Ligue 1 criticism

Endrick dedicates goals to team-mate that 'never praises me'

That's why Real Madrid signed Endrick!

Klopp to hold party for Liverpool players if Man City are stripped of titles 

What Haaland's 10-year mega deal means for City - and football

Where would Man Utd be without Amad?

'League makes it possible' - Big call for CR7 in 1000-goal bid

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Al-Nassr make winning start to the year</li><li>Ronaldo and Mane inspire victory</li><li>Senegalese striker stole the spotlight with a brace</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n">Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Spot on Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr superstar on target and Sadio Mane bags a brace as Saudi Pro League side start 2025 with win over Al-Akhdoud

Saudi Pro League

Al-Raed

Al Akhdoud

Al Khaleej

Al Nassr FC

After a generous winter vacation, Stefano Pioli's men returned to action but took just six minutes to concede their first goal in the new year. Sultan Al-Ghannam made a mess of his header in an attempt to clear his lines, as the ball fell kindly to Savioud Godwin within the six-yard box who made no mistake in tapping home from close range.After falling behind, the hosts woke from their slumber and started firing on all cylinders. In the 15th minute, Mane thought he had equalised but the goal was ruled out as Nawaf Boushal crossed into the box after the ball had gone out of play. However, Al-Nassr did not have to wait long for the leveller as the Senegalese finally found the back of the net just before the half-hour mark as he poked home Boushal's header.The former Liverpool forward continued to be in the thick of things as he earned a penalty in the 39th minute after being fouled inside the box by Damion Lowe. Ronaldo stepped up from 12 yards, sent the keeper the wrong way and converted from the spot to put his team in the lead at half-time.It was one-way traffic in the second half with Al-Nassr dominating possession in the opposition half as they kept pressing for the insurance goal. It was Mane once again who pierced the net in the dying minutes of the match when he skipped past his marker to head home a cross from the right - which sealed the victory for the hosts.

TELL ME MORE

Ronaldo has scored his 917th career goal and is now just 83 goals short of the 1000-goal mark - an ambitious target that the Portuguese has set for himself.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mane was the brightest player on the pitch and played a crucial role in all three Al-Nassr goals. His second was the best of the lot and it was no surprise when he was named the Player of the Match for his heroics.

THE MVP

With the game evenly poised at 1-1, Lowe had a brain fade moment which prompted him to shove Mane from the back. There was no imminent danger, but his rash actions inside the box left the referee with no option but to point to the spot, allowing Al-Nassr to get their noses in front.

THE BIG LOSER

After making a winning start to 2025, Al-Nassr have a week to prepare for their next league game against Al-Taawoun on January 17.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐

Spot on Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr superstar on target and Sadio Mane bags a brace as Saudi Pro League side start 2025 with win over Al-Akhdoud | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane were among the goals as Al-Nassr started 2025 with a comfortable 3-1 win over Al-Akhdoud.

Next matches