Al-Nassr continued their flawless start to the Saudi Pro League with a 2-0 triumph over Al-Hazem, moving three points clear at the top of the table. Goals from Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo secured the three points, extending their perfect run, Softfootball reports.
João Félix shines in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win (Photo Credit: Al Nassr X)
Joao Felix opened the scoring in the 25th minute, heading Aiman Yahya’s cross into the top-right corner. He came close to doubling his tally before halftime, only to see a left-footed effort cleared off the line, while Angelo also struck the crossbar with a long-range attempt.
Joao Felix and Aiman Yahya (Photo Credit: Al Nassr via X)
Al Hazm’s goalkeeper, Bruno Varela, played a crucial role early on, denying both Kingsley Coman and Angelo to keep the sheet intact.
As the second half unfolded, Cristiano Ronaldo worked tirelessly to unlock the opposition defense, threading quality passes to teammates Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane, though Al-Nassr’s potent attack failed to find another goal.
Sadio Mane (Photo Credit: Al Nassr Media)
Mane drove forward from midfield, played a perfect pass to Coman, who delivered a low cross into the box. Ronaldo finished calmly from close range, scoring his 950th career goal and sealing Al-Nassr’s 2-0 victory.
Ronaldo celebrates his goal for Al Nassr (Photo Credit: Al Nassr – X)
Al-Hazem struggled to find a foothold in the game, with limited chances and few threatening moments. Their defensive line was consistently tested by Al-Nassr’s pace and precision, and they were unable to capitalize on the few opportunities they created.
Al-Nassr shared the final result of their clash with Al-Hazem on their official X handle:
With this result, Al-Nassr maintain their perfect record, sending a strong statement to the rest of the league as they aim to extend their winning streak and continue their challenge for the title.
The team now looks ahead to their next league fixture with confidence, knowing they have started the season in ideal fashion.
Paris Saint Germain returned to Ligue 1 summit with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brest at Stade Francis-Le Ble. Achraf Hakimi bagged a well-taken double to start his season’s tally, while Desire Doue rounded off the win with a stoppage time goal, Softfootball reports.
They dominated in possession and territory dominance at the start of the game, but finding a way past Radosław Majecki proved difficult.
Senny Mayulu dribbles past Brest goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki (Photo Credit: Paris Media)
Brest created the first real chance of the match when Junior Dina Ebimbe squared the ball to Pathe Mboup in the box, but the forward’s effort was straight at Lucas Chevalier. At the other end, Radosław Majecki kept Senny Mayulu at bay with a smart save.
PSG broke the deadlock just before 30 minutes through Achraf Hakimi, who volleyed home Vitinha’s lofted pass to the back post.
Hakimi struck twice in the space of 10 minutes in the first-half. (Photo Credit: PSG – X )
The Morocco international doubled PSG’s advantage in the 39th minute, converting a lucky rebound from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s mishit into the top-right corner.
Brest nearly pulled one back in a quiet second half when Lee Kang-In was penalized for handball after a lengthy VAR check. Del Castillo, however, lost his footing and sent his shot over the bar.
Desire Doue attempts to score (Photo Credit: PSG Media)
In stoppage time, PSG sealed the win as Désiré Doué, after twice hitting the woodwork, finally found the net in the sixth minute. Played through by Warren Zaire-Emery, he finished emphatically past Majecki.
Désiré Doué (Photo Credit: PSG via X)
Paris Saint Germain also took to their official X handle to share the 3-0 final result.
PSG displayed remarkable composure, looking like a side rediscovering its confidence. The victory extended their unbeaten run against Brest to 33 games, a streak dating back to 1985, underscoring why they continue to lead the French football scene.
With Hakimi in fine form, Dembele’s return, and the squad beginning to click again, Paris Saint-Germain appears to be hitting their stride at just the right moment.
Ahead of Villa’s clash with City, Unai Emery shared his thoughts on the challenges of facing the Cityzens during a pre match conference interview shared on the club’s official X handle.
Unai Emery (Photo Credit: Aston Villa mEDIA)
He emphasized on the importance of the team’s collective focus on Erling Haaling saying:
Firstly, collectively we should try to be very, very focused to stop [Haaland]… we will need some cover with other players, and then tactically we can stop him in different ways… everything that happened yesterday is learning… now focusing Premier League, Manchester City on Sunday.
Emery also explained his approach for selecting players while focusing on central midfielders.
Harvey is a 10 number in our structure… his performance was not enough (up to this point)… he has to continue working like he is doing in the training session and getting his confidence in the performance we need through him.
The Villans, via their official X handle, celebrated Unai Emery’s three-year tenure at Aston Villa. They shared a special video montage to commemorate his time in charge, highlighting memorable European nights, tactical milestones, and the remarkable transformation he has led since taking over in 2022. Watch below:
From touchline passion to special European nights at Villa Park – the best moments after three years of Unai Emery.
City’s manager Pep Guardiola during his pre-match press conference interview that was shared on the club’s official YouTube channel provided updates ahead of their clash with the Villans.
Pep Guardiola (Photo Credit: Manchester City MEDIA)
On the squads fitness, Guardiola confirmed that Nico Gonzoles, who was substituted during City’s 2-0 away win over Villarreal with a foot injury, would be accessed before the clash. Abdukodir Khusanov and Rodri would still be sidelined.
The manager also praised Matheus Nunes, who has been impressive since the departure of Kyle Walker. He said:
He can be an incredible right-back. Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality… he has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.
Discussing City’s league position and the bigger picture for the title race, Guardiola added:
I know the pundits and specialists… Always you wait 10-15 games to know exactly what’s going on. Obviously Liverpool and Arsenal will be there, someone else will be there and hopefully we can be there too.
The Cityzens official X handle, highlighting the squads preparation for the game ahead as they shared:
In a clip seen on the club’s official X handle, Erling Haaland was seen mimicking former defender Aleksander Kolarov as he showed his versatility, precise crossing, and ball control. Watch below:
Aston’s Villa’s strong home form under Unai Emery faces Manchester City’s dominant record and unbeaten run. They hold 31 Premier League wins and 101 goals against Villa. While the Villans resilience suggests a tight game, City’s unbeaten steak gives them the edge.
Key battles will feature Haaland testing The Lion’s defense, Nunes pressing down the left flank, and a fierce midfield duel where City will look to control possession.
The Lions however rests their hopes on Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, and Emiliano Buendía to create decisive moments, while Emery’s tactical setup will aim to disrupt City’s rhythm and exploit transitions.
Expected Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana; Evann Guessand, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn; Donyell Malen.
Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Aké; Rico Lewis; Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Savinho; Erling Haaland.
Predictions
While Villa have the home advantage and a rejuvenated squad under Emery, City’s experience, depth, and recent form make them favorites.
Expect tactical battles across midfield and wide areas, with Haaland likely to be decisive. A closely fought match seems likely, but City may edge it with quality and clinical finishing.
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