Al Ettifaq stunned the league leaders on Tuesday night, earning a dramatic 2-2 draw against Al Nassr at EGO Stadium in Dammam and ending their flawless start to the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season.
The protagonist of the evening was Georginio Wijnaldum. The former Liverpool midfielder turned back the clock, scoring twice to snap Al Nassr’s perfect start to the 2025/26 campaign and breathe new life into a title race that was beginning to feel like a procession.
The Ronaldo-Felix Connection
The hosts signaled their intent early. In the 16th minute, Al Ettifaq ignited a clinical counter-attack that carved through the visitors, ending with Wijnaldum slotting home to give the home side a shock lead.
It was a wake-up call for Al Nassr, who struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Ettifaq block for the remainder of the first half.
Gini Wijnaldum 🥁🥁🥁🥁#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/ouU7UPqRTu
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) December 30, 2025
Whatever Jorge Jesus was said in the Al Nassr dressing room at halftime worked. Within two minutes of the restart, Joao Felix dragged his side level with a precise, low drive into the bottom left corner.
Then came the moment the Dammam crowd had anticipated. In the 67th minute, Felix turned provider as his shot took a decisive deflection off Cristiano Ronaldo. It was the 957th goal of Ronaldo’s storied career, a “predatory finish” that seemed to have secured an 11th consecutive victory for the Riyadh giants.
The Fightback
But Al Ettifaq refused to fold. As the clock ticked toward the 80th minute, Radi Al Otaibi found space on the right flank and pulled back a perfectly weighted cross. Wijnaldum met it with a trademark low strike, rifling the ball home to spark scenes of delirium in the stands.
It was a captain’s performance from the Dutchman, whose energy and leadership ensured the spoils were shared.
While Felix and Ronaldo continue to spearhead the Golden Boot race—sitting level at the top with 13 goals apiece—the result has massive implications for the table:
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Al Nassr remain top, but the “invincible” aura has faded.
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Al Taawoun sit just three points behind following their 1-0 win over Al Najmah.
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Al Hilal could close the gap to a mere two points with a victory over Al Kholood on New Year’s Eve.
Despite the dropped points, Ronaldo remained defiant after the final whistle. “We are on the right path,” the captain remarked. “We know exactly what we need to do in 2026.”
For the first time this season, however, the chasing pack finally has Al Nassr in their wing mirrors.
