Asian Football Roundup: Al-Nassr Extend Saudi lead, Kashima Nears J-League Title, Ulsan Boosts K League Survival Hopes
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr secured their eighth consecutive victory in the Saudi Pro League, defeating Neom SC 3-1 on Saturday and extending their lead to 24 points. Angelo and Joao Felix also found the net for Al-Nassr, three points ahead of Al-Taawoun, who won 5-2 against Al-Fateh. Al-Hilal remains a further point back after a 4-2 victory over Al-Najma, a match that saw the losing side finish with nine players.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – auckland FC maintained their top position in the A-league with a 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix, despite playing the final stages with nine men. Sam Cosgrove scored both goals for Auckland, in the first and 34th minutes, while Ifeanyi Eze equalized for Wellington in the ninth. Wellington had two players sent off – Daniel Hall in the 49th minute and Logan Rogerson in the 79th. Sydney FC are one point behind Auckland after a 2-0 win over Macarthur FC.
KASHIMA, JAPAN - Kashima Antlers took a critically important step towards the J-League title with a 2-1 victory over Yokohama FC on Saturday. Leo Ceara and Kei Chinen scored for Kashima in the second half before Yokohama’s Boniface Nduka responded with a header.Kashima lead Kashiwa Reysol by one point with two rounds remaining. Kashiwa defeated Nagoya Grampus 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Kennedy mikuni in the 47th minute.
ULSAN, SOUTH KOREA – Ulsan HD eased their relegation concerns in the K League with a 1-0 win over Suwon FC on Sunday.Gustav Ludwigson scored the decisive goal two minutes into the second half, moving Ulsan five points clear of the relegation playoff positions. The team finishing sixth in the six-team relegation group will be relegated,while fourth and fifth will enter playoffs against teams from the second division.
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