Al Nassr and Al Hilal played to a thrilling 1-1 draw in the Capital Derby, marking the Blue Waves’ first dropped points this season. Despite the draw, Al Hilal remain top of the Saudi Pro League, with a one-point lead over Al Ittihad, who beat Al Ahli 1-0 in the Sea Derby. Al Nassr, now third, trail the leaders by six points.
Ronaldo’s Goal Drought Continues
Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring struggles persisted, as he failed to find the net again. However, the Al Nassr captain remained defiant, saying, “The battle is far from over. Thank you all for the support today!”
Talisca Puts Al Nassr Ahead Early
The game burst to life at Al Awwal Park as Otavio’s pass set up Anderson Talisca, who scored within 55 seconds. Talisca controlled the ball expertly and slotted it into the bottom corner, sending Al Nassr fans into a frenzy.
⏱️ 1′ minute on the clock. It took @talisca_aa only ONE minute 🔥🇧🇷#RoshnSaudiLeague #CapitalDerby pic.twitter.com/BioUXJZ7hf
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) November 1, 2024
Al Hilal responded quickly, with Malcom forcing a sharp save from Al Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento. Aleksandar Mitrovic thought he had equalized just before halftime, only to be ruled offside. Minutes later, another Talisca goal was disallowed for the same reason, leaving both teams frustrated.
Al-Dawsari Hits the Post; Hilal Finally Equalize
Al Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari came close, hitting the post with a curling shot. Lodi’s rebound was saved brilliantly by Bento. Hilal’s persistence paid off as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored a header from Lodi’s cross to level the game.
🇷🇸 SMS rose highest to bring Al Hilal level ✈️#RoshnSaudiLeague #CapitalDerby pic.twitter.com/rVSGCyPGun
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) November 1, 2024
Missed Chances in Final Minutes
In the final moments, Al Nassr substitute Mohammed Marran missed a golden opportunity to snatch a win. Ultimately, both teams settled for a point, remaining the only unbeaten sides in the league. Jorge Jesus’ Al Hilal extended their unbeaten SPL streak to 45 matches.
The inaugural Derby Week wraps up Saturday, as Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq face Al Qadsiah in the Eastern Derby.
