Al-Nassr vs Abha - King Cup: Live score and updates as Cristiano ...

14 Mar 2023

59' Good defending from Al-Nassr

Abha come forward well down the left but Al-Nassr keep them at bay really well.

Eventually Abha have to play it backwards to whip a cross in but the home keeper catches it nicely and starts a counter attack.

It comes to nothing, but Al-Nassr continue to outplay the visitors and fully deserve their 3-0 lead. 

53' Almost a wonder goal for Abha

Nawaf Al-Sadi attempts a volley on the turn from outside the box. He hits it really nicely but it flies wide.

The striker comes forward again moments later but it dealt with effectively by the Al-Nassr defence.

Nawaf has been Abha's best player this afternoon but has received little support from his teammates.

15:41

49' AL-NASSR MAKE IT 3-0

Dreadful defending from Abha.

Al-Nassr work a corner to just outside the box and float an optimistic ball into the box.

It should be cut out, but the defenders all look at each other and the keeper makes a mess of an attempted punch.

The ball falls behind him, and Mohammed Maran fires it in on a tight angle after anticipating the mistake better than the defence.

That could be curtains for Abha.

15:37

BACK UNDERWAY

Back underway in Riyadh as Abha kick off.

It will take a huge effort for the visitors to secure a semi-final spot from here.

15:19

HALF TIME

Ronaldo is not happy.

The whistle blows just as the striker looks to break on Abha, and he drop kicks the ball in outrage despite still being well inside his own half when the whistle goes.

He is rightly booked for the tantrum, and Al-Nassr walk off 2-0 up.

Abha moved the ball well in midfield in times but ultimately struggled to create chances after Al-Nassr's goal line clearance in the opening minute.

The visitors were on the back foot after 10 seconds and have struggled to find  way back since, especially after Abdullah Al-Khaibari doubled the lead with a classy volley.

It will take a much-changed performance in the second-half for Abha to find a way back.

45+2' Abha trying to get on the front foot

The visitors are playing a lot of balls forward but they're struggling to find players in the final third.

They've done a good job of stopping AL-Nassr in the past few minutes but don't look like finding a way back into the game.

41' Ronaldo fires a shot away

The striker bursts forward and takes a shot from just outside the box.

He's turning as he hits it, and can't find the goal as he drags it wide of the Abha post.

The 38-year-old looks desperate for a goal this afternoon.

35' Chance for Ronaldo

Ronaldo is played in down the left and curls a shot goalwards from the edge of the box.

The Abha keeper gets across well to make a strong save, and the flags eventually goes up for offside.

The away side don't know how to deal with Ronaldo at the moment.

33' Ronaldo probing

Ronaldo cuts in from the right and plays a clever one-two with Ghareeb on the left wing.

The return is slightly in front of the striker and he can't quite get there, but the number seven is starting to make an impact.

31' Lovely touch from Ronaldo

Classy move from Al-Nassr.

The left back sprints forward and plays it into Ronaldo, who flicks it brilliantly to the on-running Ghareeb.

Nothing comes off the chance, but Al-Nassr do look dangerous every time they come forward.

14:52

21' LOVELY GOAL FOR AL-NASSR

Al-Nassr double their lead!

It's a stunning finish from Abdullah Al-Khaibari. The home side advance nicely down the left and it looks as though the ball will come in for Ronaldo in the box.

Instead, it's pulled just behind him for the unmarked Al-Khalibari, who strokes in a lovely side-footed effort without breaking his stride.

Abha had just started to play themselves into the game and that will be a big blow.

18' Abha keeping the ball

Al-Naasr have been happy to let Abha take control in the past few minutes.

The visitors are moving it nicely but Al-Nassr are an organised side without the ball and seem unfazed.

Abha will need to be more pro-active if they are to get back into this game.

14' Free kick hits the wall

Ronaldo hits it nicely but the ball hits the wall and burst through into the box.

It falls to an Al-Nassr player but he can't get his feet right and the ball is cleared.

The home side have lacked a bit of quality in front of the goal despite taking an early lead.

12' Nice move from Abha

Abha move the ball well and work a cross into the box from the left wing.

Their striker is unmarked in the box but the home side keep their shape well and snuff out the chance.

Al-Nassr then break and win a free kick just outside the box.

Ronaldo stands over it...

9' Missed chance for Ronaldo

Lovely ball up to Sami in the Abha box, who looks to square it to Ronaldo in front of goal.

It's slightly behind the former Man United striker and he can't get a shot off, Sami should have gone for goal himself.

The flag goes up in the end but it's another bright bit of moment from Sami and the visiting defence look ill-equipped to deal with him so far.

4' Frantic opening

Al-Nassr nearly lose their advantage as an early Abha chance is cleared off the line.

They then run down the other end and win a corner but cannot force a chance.

It's been an end to end start in Riyadh with both sides looking shaky at the back.

Ronaldo has had a couple of clever touches but is yet to stamp his authority on the game.

14:32

1' AL-NASSR SCORE!

Unbelievable start from Al-Nassr!

Sami Al-Najei gives them the lead after just 10 seconds. 

It's a speculative ball forward from Al-Nassr but the Abha defence are caught goal and find themselves 1-0 down after some classy link-up play around the box.

Sami's shot takes a slight deflection to take it away from the keeper.

The worst possible start for the visitors.

14:31

KICK OFF

Ronaldo's side kick off first in Riyadh.

It's a big game for both sides as they contest the King's Cup quarter-final.

Good Afternoon!

And welcome to Sportsmail’s coverage of Al-Nassr vs Abha.

We’ll have all the updates as Cristiano Ronaldo looks to get back in the goals after two games without scoring.

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