Laporte rescues a point for Al Nassr in Buraidah | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr dropped points for the third time in five matches after being held to a 1-1 draw by an impressive Al Taawoun side at King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah on Friday.

The result sees Stefano Pioli’s men lose third place in the Roshn Saudi League to Al Qadsiah, who beat Al Wehda 3-0 in the late kick-off in Mecca.

It was Al Nassr who started on the front foot with Sultan Al Ghannam’s early cross from the right finding Abdulrahman Ghareeb who took it first time but failed to beat goalkeeper Mailson.

The Brazilian goalkeeper was well positioned and confidently made two saves to deny Ronaldo’s long-range efforts.

As the first half headed to a close, a wonderful cross-field pass from Andre Girotto left Al Nassr’s left-back Nawaf Boushal in no man’s land, with right wingback Fahad Al Jumayah sneaking behind and crossing at the far post for his counterpart on the opposite flank Saad Al Nasser who volleyed in style in off the post for Al Taawoun’s opener.

Mailson continued to frustrate Al Nassr, saving Sadio Mane’s header and Marcelo Brozovic’s half-volley, but there was little the Brazilian could do to stop Aymeric Laporte when the former Manchester City defender rose highest to head in a pinpoint cross from substitute Angelo, restoring parity midway through the second half.

Despite Ronaldo’s best efforts and an injury that forced Mailson off in added time, Al Taawoun held out for the point to retain a relative advantage in eighth place ahead of their clash with ninth-placed Al Riyadh, while Al Nassr will look to bounce back when they host Al Khaleej.