Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his exceptional talent once again as Al Nassr cruised to a resounding 5-1 victory over Al-Hazm in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. The match marked a significant milestone for Ronaldo, who celebrated his 850th career goal with an impressive performance that included scoring a goal and providing two assists. Sadio Mane also found the back of the net for Al Nassr in a match highlighted by their team’s outstanding display.
Ronaldo’s recent goal-scoring form has been exceptional, as he has now scored six goals in his last three games. The 38-year-old Portuguese superstar took to social media to express his delight, stating, “Another great team performance! We keep improving. Let’s go @AlNassrFC. 850 career goals and still counting!”
Following a slow start to the season where Al Nassr suffered two consecutive league defeats, the team has turned their fortunes around with three consecutive wins. Their impressive goal tally of 14 goals in the last three games demonstrates their attacking prowess. They now sit just four points behind league leaders Al-Hilal.
In the match against Al-Hazm, Al Nassr took the lead in the 33rd minute through Abdulrahman Ghareeb, setting the tone for a dominant display. Abdullah Al-Khaibari added a second goal deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half. However, Al-Hazm quickly responded as Muhammed Badamosi pulled one back just two minutes into the second half. Nevertheless, Al Nassr swiftly reestablished their two-goal advantage with a goal from summer signing Otavio 10 minutes later. The stage was then set for Ronaldo to make his mark, scoring his milestone goal in the 68th minute, followed by Mane’s contribution in the 78th minute.
Ronaldo’s exceptional goal-scoring form places him at the top of the league’s scoring charts this season, with six goals to his name. He holds a one-goal lead over former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.
Al Nassr’s victory highlights their determination to bounce back from their initial setbacks and compete at the highest level. With their star players delivering outstanding performances, they are poised to maintain their upward trajectory in the Saudi Pro League. Fans of Al Nassr will be eagerly anticipating the team’s future matches as they continue their pursuit of the league title.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Preview, team news, predicted lineups, and key stats
Liverpool is preparing to host Aston Villa in a highly anticipated Premier League match on Sunday, as they aim to maintain their impressive start to the season. The Reds enter the game on the back of consecutive victories against Bournemouth and Newcastle United and will be looking to secure another positive result on home turf.
The recent win against Newcastle United has undoubtedly boosted Liverpool’s confidence, and their ability to build upon that performance will be a pivotal factor in the upcoming match. Meanwhile, Aston Villa has bounced back from a challenging start to the season with consecutive wins against Everton and Burnley. They also displayed an impressive performance in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs, securing a commanding victory over Hibernian. As a result, Unai Emery’s side will approach the game with confidence and will be eager to cause an upset. Liverpool must not underestimate their opponents and should be prepared for a tough contest.
Aston Villa has strengthened their squad significantly during the summer transfer window, making them a formidable team capable of challenging any side on their day. While Liverpool may have the advantage on paper, this encounter is expected to be closely contested, and the outcome remains uncertain.
In terms of team news and tactics, Liverpool will be without Thiago Alcantara, who is still recovering from a groin injury. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk will be absent due to a red card received in the previous match against Newcastle United. Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Ibrahima Konate will also not be available. Consequently, Liverpool is likely to adopt a 4-3-3 formation, with Alisson Becker in goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will serve as the full-backs, supporting both defensively and offensively. In the absence of van Dijk and Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are expected to start as central defenders. The midfield will feature Wataru Endo as the defensive midfielder, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will provide creativity and control. In the attack, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah are likely to be key figures on the field, supported by Luis Diaz.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, will be without Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey, Philippe Coutinho, and Alex Moreno due to various injuries. They are expected to adopt a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Emiliano Martinez in goal and Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, and Pau Torres forming the back three. Wing-backs Matty Cash and Lucas Digne will contribute offensively and defensively. Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz will anchor the midfield, while Moussa Diaby and John McGinn will operate as attacking midfielders. Ollie Watkins will lead the line for Aston Villa.
In terms of key statistics, Liverpool is currently undefeated in their last 14 Premier League matches, and they have not lost to Aston Villa in their last six encounters in all competitions. The previous six matches between the two teams have seen a total of 18 goals, with both teams finding the net in five of those matches.
One player to watch out for in this match is Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan international will enter the game full of confidence following his match-winning performance against Newcastle United and will look to continue his impressive form against Aston Villa. His pace and movement can pose a significant threat to the opposition defense.
Considering the circumstances and the quality of both teams, a closely contested encounter is expected, with a 1-1 draw being predicted by The Hard Tackle. While Liverpool may be the stronger team overall, Aston Villa has the potential to trouble their defense, making for an intriguing match.
