In an incident that raised many questions in Saudi sports circles, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Al-Nassr, was absent from the post-match press conference following the fiery derby against Al-Ittihad. This absence came after the match between the two teams at Al-Awwal Park Stadium, part of the eleventh round of the Saudi Professional League, marking his second consecutive absence from official media appearances.

Sources revealed that the main reason behind Jorge Jesus's absence from the pre-match press conference for the Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad game was an administrative decision by the club's management, coupled with the coach's show of solidarity with the team's captain, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo. This solidarity serves as a clear message expressing dissatisfaction with the team's performance during the last winter transfer window and the accompanying challenges that impacted the strategy for strengthening the squad to compete for domestic and continental titles.

In terms of both result and performance, Al-Nassr successfully overcame Al-Ittihad with distinction, securing a 2-0 victory. The match was characterized by technical and tactical dominance, reflecting the team's readiness for this major encounter, considered one of the most important matches of the season in Saudi football, given the intense historical and popular rivalry between the two clubs.

Matches between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad are of paramount importance not only locally but also regionally, attracting widespread attention due to the caliber of the stars on both teams. This victory strengthens Al-Nassr's position in the standings, bringing their points tally to 49 in the Roshan Professional League this season and marking their second consecutive win. This provides a significant morale boost for the players and coaching staff as they continue their pursuit of the top spot.

It is worth noting that press conferences in the Roshan League have gained unprecedented global attention, in light of the qualitative shift that Saudi sports are witnessing, which makes the absence of a figure of the stature of coach Jesus an event that requires pausing to consider and analyzing its implications regarding the relationship between the technical management and the circumstances surrounding the team.

The 21st round of the Saudi Professional League, held at Al-Awwal Park Stadium, witnessed an exceptional night by all accounts, as Al-Nassr secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory over their arch-rivals Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Clasico. However, the technical win wasn't the only highlight of the match; Al-Nassr players also captured attention with a notable incident off the pitch that sparked questions from both the media and fans.

In a surprising turn of events, Al-Nassr's players collectively declined to give any press or television interviews in the mixed zone after the final whistle, a highly unusual move, especially after securing a resounding victory in a match as significant as the Saudi derby. A reporter from "Emanat Thamania" revealed the reason behind this silence, explaining that a strict administrative decision had been issued before the match prohibiting the players from speaking to the media.

Sources confirmed that this directive came as a strong message of solidarity and a clear objection from the entire Al-Nassr organization to the recent pressures and events surrounding the team's captain, the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo. This stance reflects the unique unity within the team's locker room, where the players demonstrated their unwavering support for their captain, preferring to respond on the pitch rather than through media statements.

Technically, Al-Nassr delivered a masterclass in football, with Senegalese star Sadio Mane calmly opening the scoring from the penalty spot, before young Brazilian talent Angelo Gabriel added a second goal, cementing the home side's dominance. This victory carries profound technical significance, marking the team's second consecutive win in Ronaldo's absence, following their previous victory against Al-Riyadh. This demonstrates the tactical maturity and high level of ability of the coaching staff and players to compensate for significant absences and maintain their championship mentality.

From a historical perspective, the Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match holds significance far beyond the three points; it represents a prestigious image for Saudi football both regionally and internationally. Matches between the two teams have always been characterized by fierce competition and excitement, serving as a true measure of a team's readiness to compete for titles. This victory not only strengthens Al-Nassr's position in the league standings but also sends a strong message to its rivals that "Al-Nassr" is a force to be reckoned with, and that it can overcome administrative or media crises by maintaining complete focus on the pitch.

In conclusion, Al-Nasr succeeded in turning the pressures surrounding Ronaldo’s absence and the accompanying events into positive energy, achieving a moral and technical victory that will cast a positive shadow on the team’s journey in the upcoming rounds, while awaiting the return of the “Madeira Rocket” to lead the team again.

Jordanian refereeing expert Ahmed Abu Khadija settled the widespread controversy surrounding the top match of the 21st round of the Roshan Professional League, which pitted Al-Nassr against Al-Ittihad at Al-Nassr Park and ended with a valuable 2-0 victory for Al-Nassr. The match witnessed a refereeing decision that sparked much debate in sporting circles and on social media platforms, concerning the validity of the penalty awarded to the home team.

In an exclusive statement to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, Abu Khadija definitively confirmed the referee's decision, saying: "Yes, it was a correct penalty kick for Al-Nasr. The defender's hand position was unnatural, and there was a clear enlargement of his body, which warranted the penalty." This clarification puts an end to the speculation that questioned the legitimacy of the decision, which significantly influenced the outcome of the match.

Technically, Al-Nassr dominated the derby, securing a 2-0 victory. Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring, before Senegalese star Sadio Mane doubled the lead, confirming Al-Nassr's superiority in this crucial encounter.

The importance of El Clásico and its impact on the title race

This match holds special significance beyond just the three points; encounters between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad are among the most prominent in Saudi and Arab football, always characterized by intense rivalry and huge fan excitement. A victory in such a match provides the team with a tremendous morale boost for the remainder of the league campaign, especially given the fierce competition this season.

In terms of the league standings, this victory has intensified the competition for the Roshan Professional League title, as Al-Nassr's points tally rose to 49, strengthening their hold on second place and narrowing the gap with league leaders Al-Hilal to just one point. This close competition suggests a very exciting end to the season, where there is no room for error in the remaining rounds.

It is worth noting that refereeing decisions in major matches are always under intense scrutiny, given the sensitivity of these encounters and their direct impact on the course of the tournament. The opinions of refereeing experts are crucial in educating the public and clarifying controversial situations according to the Laws of the Game as approved by FIFA.