Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, extending their worst run of the season to three winless matches. Julian Quinones scored the opener after a goalkeeper error, followed by Nahitan Nandez's rebound goal, with Ronaldo pulling one back via penalty. The loss leaves Al Nassr four points behind leaders Al-Hilal ahead of a crucial derby.
Al Nassr hosted Al Qadsiah at Al-Awwal Park on January 8, 2026, aiming to halt a skid that included a 2-2 draw at Al-Ettifaq and a 3-2 loss at Al-Ahli. Despite starting the season with 10 straight league wins, Jorge Jesus's side struggled from the outset.
The match turned in the 51st minute when Al Nassr goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi raced out near the halfway line and chipped a casual pass that struck the onrushing Julian Quinones. The Mexican forward charged to the unguarded net and slotted home for a 1-0 lead. Al Qadsiah, managed by Brendan Rodgers since last month, capitalized further when Quinones broke inside the box on the right and teed up Mateo Retegui. Al Aqidi parried Retegui's shot, but Nahitan Nandez smashed in the rebound to make it 2-0.
A clumsy challenge by Al Nassr winger Angelo forced Al Qadsiah goalkeeper Koen Casteels off after seven minutes of delay, with Ahmed Al Kassar replacing him. Ronaldo, who shares the league scoring lead with Joao Felix at 13 goals entering the game, netted his 14th in the 81st minute. Awarded a penalty after Jehad Thikri's handball—confirmed by VAR—Ronaldo curled a low shot into the net. Despite 11 minutes of added time, Al Qadsiah held firm for the upset.
Al Qadsiah climbed to fourth with the win, taking seven points from Rodgers's first nine games. Al Nassr, missing Sadio Mane at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, now trail Al-Hilal by four points after the leaders' 3-0 victory over Al-Hazm. A Monday trip to Al-Hilal looms large, where a loss could extend the gap to seven.
Al Nassr starting XI: Nawaf Al Aqidi, Sultan Al Ghannam, Abdulelah Al Amri, Inigo Martinez, Aiman Yahya, Angelo, Marcelo Brozovic, Abdullah Al Khaibari, Kingsley Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.
Al Qadsiah starting XI: Koen Casteels, Mohammed Abu Al Shamat, Nacho, Jehad Thikri, Gaston Alvarez, Ali Abdullah Hazazi, Nahitan Nandez, Julian Weigl, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Mateo Retegui, Julian Quinones.
