Al Qadsiah started stronger playing at their home ground, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd. In the 24th minute, from a left-wing cross, Abu Al-Shamat tapped the ball in, opening the score for the team currently ranked fourth.

In this match, Ronaldo was unlucky in his finishing. In the 33rd minute, the 41-year-old forward missed a chance to equalize when his shot from close range was parried by goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Soon after, he continued to disappoint when his right-footed curling shot hit the crossbar.

Ronaldo could not save Al Nassr in their 1-3 loss to Al Qadsiah in round 31 of the Saudi Pro League on 3/5 evening. *Reuters*

Ronaldo could not improve his third position with 25 goals in the 2025-2026 Saudi Pro League top scorer race, a title he won in the previous two seasons with 35 and 25 goals. Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiah currently leads with 29 goals, while Ivan Toney of Al Ahli is ranked second with 27 goals. Ronaldo also could not extend his career record of 970 goals.

Al Nassr played better from the end of the first half. In the 39th minute, from a low cross by Marcelo Brozovic, Joao Felix shot into the top corner to equalize 1-1.

However, after the break, Al Nassr's lines once again became fragile. In the 55th minute, capitalizing on a misplaced pass by Brozovic, Musab Al-Juwayr scored with a diagonal shot, increasing Al Qadsiah's lead to 2-1. In the 78th minute, Al Nassr's defense continued to make mistakes, failing to clear the ball decisively and allowing Quinones to score a rebound, sealing a 3-1 victory.

Al Nassr still leads the 2025-2026 Saudi Pro League with 79 points after 31 matches, five points ahead of Al Hilal, but having played one more game. If they win against Al Khaleej on 5/5 evening, Al Hilal will narrow the gap to two points. The title race would then become unpredictable.

In the final three rounds, Al Nassr will face Al Shabab, Al Hilal, and Damac. Among these, the match against Al Hilal on 12/5 could become the season's final.

Thanh Quy