JEDDAH — Al Ahli Saudi FC ended Al Nassr's record-breaking 11-match unbeaten run with a dramatic 3-2 victory in a high-intensity Saudi Pro League clash in Matchweek 13. England striker Ivan Toney was the decisive figure, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes before providing the assist for the winning goal as the Asian champions claimed a statement win. Despite the defeat, Al Nassr remain on 31 points from 12 matches, just two points ahead of Al Hilal, who play later in the round. Al Ahli strengthened their grip on fourth place, moving to 25 points from 12 matches under head coach Matthias Jaissle. Al Ahli made a blistering start and nearly struck inside the opening minute when Galeno's effort was saved before Matheus Gonçalves hit the crossbar on the rebound. The breakthrough arrived in the seventh minute when Toney finished clinically after a precise pass from Galeno. The pressure continued and Toney doubled the lead in the 20th minute, racing onto a long ball on the counter-attack before slotting home with composure. Al Nassr, coached by Jorge Jesus, struggled initially against tight marking on Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, but gradually found their way back into the contest. Defender Abdulilah Al Amri pulled one back in the 32nd minute with a powerful long-range strike that slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Sanbi. Al Amri then completed the comeback just before halftime, rising highest to head home from a corner in the 44th minute. Al Ahli regained control early in the second half. Nine minutes after the restart, Toney produced a moment of quality, cushioning the ball with a deft touch inside the box to set up Merih Demiral, who headed in the decisive goal. The closing stages were tense and physical, with chances at both ends. Ronaldo missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the 62nd minute, while Al Nassr piled on late pressure in search of an equaliser. Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in red cards for Al Ahli captain Ali Majrashi and Al Nassr full-back Nawaf Boushal. Despite the late drama, Al Ahli held firm to seal a memorable 3-2 win, handing Al Nassr their first league defeat of the season and underlining their own credentials in the title race.
