JOÃO FÉLIX’S HATTRICK AND CRISTIANO’S BANGER GOAL LEADS Al Nassr TO WIN AGAINST Al Fateh
In a statement-making performance, Al Nassr powered past Al Fateh 5-1 in the Saudi Pro League on 18 October 2025, with João Félix grabbing a clinical hat-trick and Cristiano Ronaldo unleashing a breathtaking “banger” goal that kept the home side firmly in charge of the title race. ESPN.com+2All Football+2
First half: Félix sets the tone
From the very early stages at Al Awwal Park, Al Nassr looked dominant. João Félix opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, bending into the top corner and giving Al Nassr the early momentum. VAVEL.com – Live Sports+2All Football+2
That goal epitomised the attacking intelligence that Al Nassr brought to the fixture — quick transitions, width from the wings, and the forward line making incisive runs behind Al Fateh’s defence.
Al Fateh responded with intent but lacked the sharpness in the final third. The half closed with Al Nassr in control, content to press subtly and build without over-committing, while Al Fateh appeared unsettled.
Second half: Momentum swings, Ronaldo’s “banger,” Félix’s treble & the rout
The game exploded into life after the break. Al Fateh registered a rare breakthrough when Sofiane Bendebka equalised in the 54th minute, threatening to derail the home side’s rhythm. All Football+1
But Al Nassr’s response was swift and decisive. A penalty awarded shortly after the restart was taken by Ronaldo, but he saw his spot-kick saved. ESPN.com+1 Instead of deflating, it spurred him on: a minute later he unleashed an incredible curling strike from the edge of the box — a genuine “banger” — that gave Al Nassr the lead and set off celebrations. Bolavip
From that point the momentum shifted fully in Al Nassr’s favour:
João Félix scored his second of the night in the 68th minute, again demonstrating his lethal finishing and movement. VAVEL.com – Live Sports+1
In the 75th minute, Kingsley Coman added a fourth, his right-footed strike from inside the box putting the game effectively beyond reach. VAVEL.com – Live Sports
Then in the 79th minute, Félix completed his hat-trick, pouncing on a rebound after Sadio Mané’s effort was cleared off the line. The crowd roared as the home side hit five. All Football
Al Nassr’s attacking front-line showed fluidity and ruthless efficiency: fewer chances than a typical blowout but higher quality execution. Meanwhile Al Fateh faded, unable to cope with the relentless pressure and the shift in control after Ronaldo’s strike.
Tactical nuances & key insights
Attacking diversity: Al Nassr’s goals came from multiple vectors. Félix’s early long-range effort, Ronaldo’s world-class strike, Coman’s opportunistic finish, and Félix’s poacher’s hat-trick. That variety keeps defences guessing.
Midfield and transitional control: Al Nassr dominated possession (around 70%) and registered 22 shots (9 on target) compared to Al Fateh’s 11 shots (8 on target). FOX Sports+1 Their ability to control transitions — especially immediately after Al Fateh’s equaliser — proved decisive.
Pressing & space exploitation: After conceding, Al Nassr pressed effectively, regained the lead, and then opened spaces for Félix and Coman to exploit in behind.
Psychological edge: Missing the penalty could have rattled them, but instead ignited Ronaldo’s strike and Al Nassr’s subsequent scoring spree. That shows strong character.
Weakness exposed: Al Fateh’s defence, which had looked relatively stable earlier in the season, was exposed repeatedly. The second-half collapse emphasises the gulf between mid-table and title-challenger levels in the league.
Implications for the league & moving forward
This result bolsters Al Nassr’s credentials as a serious contender in the league. By achieving a 5-1 win while maintaining an unbeaten start (5 wins from 5) and demonstrating both attacking potency and mental resilience, the message to rivals is clear: they are targeting the top and mean business. ESPN.com+1
For Al Fateh, this is a wake-up call. Conceding five goals to a top side highlights areas requiring improvement — defensive organisation, consistency, and the ability to maintain intensity through 90 minutes. They must respond quickly if they are to avoid slipping further.
The result also underscores the fine margins: one individual moment (Ronaldo’s strike) or one sequence (Félix’s burst) can tilt the contest convincingly. Title challengers need to capitalise on these moments and sustain momentum.
Final verdict
In a commanding display, Al Nassr delivered a performance that combined elegance with ruthlessness. João Félix’s hat-trick will take headlines, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s spectacular “banger” strike after a missed penalty was the catalyst for the rout. The team showed they can seize control early, respond decisively after setbacks, and finish off opponents with precision.
This win isn’t just about the three points—it’s about sending a signal. Al Nassr, with their attacking firepower and tactical discipline, are staking a claim. The partnership between Félix and Ronaldo is flourishing, and their chemistry is now visible for all.
For Al Fateh, the journey continues, but matches like this define the gap they need to close to challenge the bigger clubs.
In short: the hat-trick, the banger, the dominance—everything aligned for Al Nassr. And with that, they march on, stronger and hungrier than ever.