Their 2-1 home loss to Al Qadsiah on Friday dashed Cristiano Ronaldo’s dreams of winning his first trophy since joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The 38-year-old Ronaldo scored the first goal in the 32nd minute after smashing it home from close range after some dubious goalkeeping.
That lead, though, was short-lived. Only five minutes later, Julián Quiñones had tied the score by chesting down a looping cross from the left byline and skillfully scoring.
After Al Nassr failed to parlay a significant possession advantage into meaningful chances, Quiñones subsequently took over as the provider in the second half.
Former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang waited unmarked to give the visitors the lead after the Colombia-born Mexico international acrobatically controlled a cross at the far post and drove it back across goal with his first touch.
Ronaldo and his colleagues put in a lot of effort to force an equalizer, but they were unable to get past Koen Casteels’ goal, and they lost, which might have a major impact on their chances of winning the league.
Despite having played more games, Stefano Pioli’s squad is still in third place in the Saudi Pro League, six points behind leaders and defending champions Al Hilal.
With the victory, Al Qadsiah moves up to fifth place, along with Al Shabab and Al Nassr.
