Karim Benzema and coach Laurent Blanc admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr were just too "strong" for Al-Ittihad. Saudi football’s early-season blockbuster lived up to the hype, but it ended in utter domination from the Riyadh giants as Ronaldo and Sadio Mane got on the scoresheet to beat the reigning champions in their own backyard.
Al-Nassr consolidate at the top
Ronaldo reached his fourth league goal of the season, while Mane opened the scoring and provided the assist for the Portuguese legend. With this victory, Al-Nassr remain unbeaten and sit top of the table with a perfect 12 points from four matches. After the final whistle, the message was clear: at the moment, no one in Saudi Arabia can match their firepower.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBlanc & Benzema admit Al-Nassr were better
Al-Ittihad’s camp was blunt in their post-match analysis as Blanc and Benzema conceded that Al-Nassr were simply on another level.
Blanc didn’t sugarcoat it: “Al-Nassr is much stronger than Al-Ittihad. This is the truth you don’t want to hear.”
Benzema echoed his manager’s sentiment, adding, “We faced a stronger team than Al-Ittihad. That’s the truth.”
Al-Ittihad look to regroup after Saudi Pro League loss
With Ronaldo in top form and Mane driving the attack, the Riyadh outfit look unstoppable. Blanc and Benzema will hope to regroup quickly to prevent the early-season momentum of their rivals from spiralling out of control. However, they have a tough task ahead. The loss exposed weaknesses that will need addressing before their upcoming AFC Champions League Elite clash against UAE side Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.
Getty Images SportAFC Champions League up next for Ronaldo & Co
For Al-Nassr, the victory isn’t just about domestic dominance; it’s also a springboard for their continental ambitions. The squad now turns their focus to the AFC Champions League Two, where they will face Iraqi giants Al Zawraa in a key early test of their continental credentials.