Late penalty drama saves Al-Nassr again! Anderson Talisca rescues a point in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence as Saudi Pro League title hopefuls draw with Al-Kholood

Stefano Pioli decided to rest the big guns like Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic for the league fixture against the 13th-placed side and the Italian manager was almost made to pay dearly by Al-Kholood. The hosts sliced open Al-Nassr's defence with ease for the opener in the 12th minute through Myziane Maolida and though Aymeric Laporte equalised four minutes later from a corner, the Knights of Najd never looked in control. Almost against the run of play, Talisca scored from a rebound but their lead was short-lived as Maolida scored the second of his night to erase the deficit. He was provided ample time and space to lock and load and the French forward made the most of it.

Al-Nassr remained flat in the second-half as the match was craving for individual brilliance to light it up. However, without Ronaldo on the bench, they were missing that spark and Laporte's injury further complicated matters for their brittle defence. Al-Kholood made the most of their dominance and got the third with Hammam Al Hammami taking Ayman Yahya for a ride before drilling a low cross for Jackson Muleka to tap in from close range.

It seemed that Al-Nassr would concede their first defeat of the season against an inspired Al-Kholood but a late penalty saved their blushes. In the absence of Ronaldo, Talisaca stepped up to do the honours and the Brazilian converted from 12 yards deep inside stoppage time to salvage a draw for the visitors.

Talisca has been receiving enough flak for his subdued performance since the start of the season, but the Brazilian delivered the goods when it mattered the most. His first strike of the night was pretty well taken, whereas, he oozed calmness and composure while dispatching the penalty at the death. Although, there remains ample scope for improvement, this performance would definitely boost his morale going ahead in the season.

Questions will be asked of Pioli's methods after another insipid display. The coach must look to tighten things at the back while in attack his side lacks imagination and creativity. Otavio seemed to be the only silver lining on a day in the absence of Ronaldo. He had been fortuitous to earn that late penalty, otherwise, it would have ended in an embarrassing defeat against a side residing in the bottom half of the standings.

Al-Nassr will be back in action against Al-Taawoun in a King Cup of Champions fixture next on Tuesday.