Cristiano Ronaldo closed another year with more than positive figures, however, this start of the year did not come with a victory. The Portuguese star saw one of his most solid records in the Saudi Arabian league broken, after Al Nassr fell for the first time this season against Al Ahli. A defeat that not only ended the team’s unbeaten run, but also put the leadership at risk, to make matters worse on a night where the performance of the Portuguese was highly questioned by the followers.
Al Nassr lose unbeaten run and drop key points
After eleven matches without defeat, Al Nassr suffered their first setback when they fell 3-2 away to Al Ahli at the King Abdullah Sports City. The result ended a positive run that had kept the team at the top of the table.
The home side took the lead with a brace from Ivan Toney, who put Al Ahli 2-0 ahead. However, Al Nassr reacted before the break thanks to two goals from Abdulelah Al Amri, who levelled the scores at 2-2 and restored hope to the tournament leaders.
However, in the second half, when the match seemed open, the decisive blow came. In the 55th minute, Merih Demiral headed in a precise cross from Ivan Toney to make it 3-2. That goal was enough for Al Ahli to secure all three points and end Al Nassr’s unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes, but failed to score or assist, an unusual situation for the team’s top offensive player.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s terrible mistake that cost him defeat
The match also left a striking image: a clear chance wasted by Ronaldo, who missed a control that left him facing the goal. The play was quickly pointed out by fans and analysts as an atypical action for him.
Far from his usual prominence, the Portuguese was disconnected as a result of the tight marking of the opposing team’s defenders, which was key for Al Hilal to take all three points.
Despite the defeat, Al Nassr remains top of the table with 31 points. However, the pressure is mounting as Al Hilal, with 29 points and a game in hand, could overtake them in the standings if they win their next match.
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