Analysis of the Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ahli match: Reasons for Al-Nassr's tactical collapse
The twelfth round of the Saudi Professional League a heavyweight clash between Saudi football giants Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli, in a thrilling derby that ended with Al-Ahli winning 3-2. This match wasn't just about Al-Nassr losing three points; it also exposed deep tactical flaws within the team, a point highlighted by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) lecturer Dr. Yahya Jaber in an interview with Okaz newspaper.
The collapse of Al-Nasr's defensive system
In his technical analysis of the match, Dr. Yahya Jaber described Al-Nasr's performance as a "setback" for a team competing for the top spot. He clearly pointed out that the major problem began in the opening minutes and was the exposed full-backs . Al-Ahli exploited this weakness with high tactical intelligence, focusing their play behind the right and left full-backs, relying on low crosses behind the defenders. This tactic resulted in Al-Ahli's goals and a large number of missed opportunities.
Jaber stressed that Al-Nasr appeared “paralyzed” on the field, attributing this to several factors, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo standing still throughout the match without effective movement, Alex Telles’ passivity, in addition to the lack of defensive support from the midfielders for the full-backs who were left to face their fate against the flood of Al-Ahly attacks.
The wing crisis and Ronaldo's isolation
The criticism wasn't limited to the back line; it extended to the attacking system as well. The Asian commentator explained that Al-Nassr suffered from a severe tactical flaw on the flanks, specifically from the duo of Wesley and Kingsley Coman . Both players performed poorly tactically, lacking commitment to tracking back defensively, which consistently left the full-backs in difficult 2-on-1 situations. This disorganization meant that it was only a matter of time before Al-Ahli could reach Al-Nassr's goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared completely isolated, as he did not participate in the pressing process or linking the lines, while Joao Felix played with little effectiveness, losing the ball on many occasions and without posing a real threat, reflecting the clear lack of harmony within the team.
Al Ahly's superiority: Ivan Toni's discipline and tactics
In contrast, Jaber praised Al-Ahli's heroic performance, noting that they entered the match with a fighting spirit, as if it were a final. Al-Ahli distinguished themselves with their collective tactical discipline and close lines, making it difficult for Al-Nasr to penetrate through the middle. Their most prominent strength was their exploitation of space and quick transitions, spearheaded by English striker Ivan Tony , who proved decisive by scoring two goals and assisting another, capitalizing on Al-Nasr's defensive frailties.
Context of the event and its impact on the league
This match takes on special significance in the context of the Saudi League title race, which has become a global spectacle thanks to attracting the brightest stars in world football. A loss for Al-Nassr at this juncture places immense pressure on the coaching staff and players, especially given the fierce competition from Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. This result underscores that big names alone are insufficient to win major matches without a cohesive tactical system and discipline on the pitch.
Jaber concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Al-Nasr will not improve unless radical solutions are found for the full-back problem and a fast center-back is signed, in addition to activating the role of midfielders in defensive support, otherwise the team will continue to pay the price for these disastrous mistakes in the upcoming matches.
