Al Nassr struggle to beat Abha thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's historic 979th goal

Al Nassr had to fight until the final minutes to secure all three points against Abha, winning 2-1 in Round 6 of the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday evening. The Riyadh-based team returned to winning ways after a stumble against Al Ittihad, and once again, Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero with a memorable career milestone. The match started with Al Nassr dominating possession from the first minutes. The home side controlled the ball overwhelmingly and constantly pressured Abha's goal. In the 22nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in the box just in time to receive a teammate's pass, firing a precise shot to open the scoring. This was not just an important tactical goal but also a historic one: the 979th goal of the Portuguese superstar's career. With this strike, Ronaldo moved one step closer to the 1,000-goal milestone – a number once thought impossible for any player. The 979th goal further increased global fans' attention, as every Ronaldo match becomes an opportunity for him to continue writing history. As the Saudi Pro League attracts more big stars, CR7's presence has elevated the league to another level. In the second half, Al Nassr continued to press and doubled the lead in the 58th minute. Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the young Saudi striker, capitalized on a chance to slot home. It seemed the match would end smoothly, but Abha did not give up easily. In the 73rd minute, Nabil Fekir – the French-Algerian star who previously shone at Real Betis – pulled one back with a skillful finish in the box. His goal reignited hope for the visitors and forced Al Nassr into a tense defensive stance in the final minutes. The home defense worked hard to neutralize Abha's attacks. Coach Luis Castro made timely adjustments to preserve the lead. The home team opted to play deeper, allowing the opponent more possession while maintaining defensive solidity. Quick counterattacks almost brought a third goal, but the forwards failed to convert. At the final whistle, Al Nassr walked away with three precious points, bringing their total to 15 after six rounds. The yellow-and-blue team continued to chase the league leaders, proving their strength and title contender credentials. With Ronaldo shining, Al Nassr boasts a promising season. This match also marked a special milestone in Cristiano Ronaldo's career. The 979-goal tally is not just a personal achievement but also proof of his ability to maintain top form at age 39. He remains the focal point of every attack and the most crucial goal scorer when the team needs him. Looking at specific details: Al Nassr started slowly but soon took control. In the 5th minute, Sadio Mané shot wide. In the 12th minute, Ronaldo headed just over the bar. Then in the 22nd minute, from a Marcelo Brozović pass, Ronaldo swept home unmarked. It was a smart movement, showcasing his superb game reading. Abha were not outclassed; they defended in numbers and waited for counterattacks. Midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak was a bright spot with accurate long passes. However, Al Nassr's defense, marshaled by Aymeric Laporte, dealt with most dangers. After the break, Al Nassr made it 2-0 through Al-Hamdan. The striker was well-positioned after Ronaldo's shot was parried by the keeper. The goal showed good chemistry among the attackers. Abha then fought back fiercely. Fekir, with his skillful dribbling, scored after a fine combination with a substitute. In the final minutes, Abha pushed forward, creating several chances but the Al Nassr keeper was outstanding. The referee blew the final whistle, and Al Nassr breathed a sigh of relief. The victory kept them in the top three, providing good momentum for upcoming matches. Tactical turning point: Coach Luis Castro deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Ronaldo, Mané, and Talisca up front. Ronaldo's mobile movement troubled Abha's defense. Abha coach Czesław Michniewicz opted for a counter-attacking style but could not stop the opponent's power. Cristiano Ronaldo said after the match: 'I'm happy with the goal and the win. My aim is to help the team win trophies, and step by step we are getting closer.' He also stressed the importance of unity. Al Nassr fans have reason to be optimistic. With Ronaldo's impressive form, the team can compete for the Saudi Pro League title this season. Additionally, new signings such as Mané, Brozović, and Laporte are integrating well. As for Abha, they played bravely and almost earned a point. Nabil Fekir again showed his class, but defensive lapses at key moments cost them. Match statistics: Al Nassr had 58% possession, 15 shots (7 on target), Abha had 11 shots (4 on target). Ronaldo had 4 shots, created 2 chances for teammates. He was rated 8.5 by Whoscored, the highest in the match. With this win, Al Nassr temporarily sits second with 15 points, two behind leaders Al Hilal. The title race is exciting. Al Nassr's next match is away to Al Khaleej on Saturday, September 12, at 18:00 local time. Ronaldo and his teammates will have a few days to recover. Cristiano Ronaldo also received praise from experts. Former star Gary Lineker commented: 'It's extraordinary that a 39-year-old maintains such form. Ronaldo is an eternal legend.' The 979-goal milestone spread across social media. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting CR7's next hat-trick to reach 1,000. Conclusion: Al Nassr had a tough match but the big team's composure and star quality secured the three points. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to write new history, and the Saudi Pro League becomes more fascinating with the presence of world-class names.