Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of his first silverware with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia suffered a setback on Friday as they fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Al Qadsiah.
Ronaldo, the all-time top scorer in the game’s history, added to his remarkable tally by netting his 911th career goal, giving Al Nassr the lead. The goal resulted from an error by Al Qadsiah’s goalkeeper, Koen Casteels. After an overhit corner, Angelo delivered the ball back into the box, causing defensive confusion. Casteels mishandled the cross, allowing Ronaldo to capitalize on the rebound and slot it home, giving Al Nassr a 1-0 lead.
Julián Quiñones delivered the equalizer with remarkable poise in the box. Receiving a precise cross from Al Ammar, he expertly controlled the ball, carved out space, and unleashed a shot that beat Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento. His swift execution stunned the defense and brought an abrupt end to Al Nassr’s celebrations.
In the second half, Quiñones shifted to playmaker as Al Nassr struggled to translate their dominant possession into clear opportunities. The Colombia-born Mexico international displayed brilliant skill, acrobatically controlling a cross at the far post before sending it back across goal with his first touch.
Waiting unmarked, former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang calmly slotted it home, putting the visitors ahead. Despite Ronaldo and his teammates’ relentless efforts to find an equalizer, Koen Casteels stood firm in goal, handing Al Nassr a defeat that could significantly impact their league title aspirations.
Al Nassr’s title hopes take a MASSIVE blow 🫠 pic.twitter.com/fvYlu7rlem
— 433 (@433) November 22, 2024
With this defeat, Al Nassr dropped down to third in the league, six points behind the league leaders Al Hilal and five behind second-placed Al-Ittihad Club. Stefano Pioli’s team has also played a game more than the front two.
Next up, Ronaldo and Al Nassr will play Al-Gharafa SC of Qatar in the AFC Champions League before playing a crucial Saudi League game against Damac.
Al Nassr faces the danger of sliding further down the standings, as Al Shabab and Al Qadsiah are level on points and only behind on goal difference. The nine-time league champions have yet to secure a title since Ronaldo’s arrival in January 2023, with the 39-year-old settling for back-to-back second-place finishes. Al Nassr’s last league triumph dates back to 2019 when Ronaldo was still representing Juventus.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
