Ronaldo unable to save Al Nassr

Forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty, but Al Nassr still lost 1-2 to Al Qadisiyah at home in round 14 of the Saudi Pro League.

At Mrsool Park on 8/1, Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes but was unlucky. The Portuguese forward touched the ball 31 times, completed 85% of his passes with one key pass, took five shots with only one on target, and lost possession eight times. Despite his individual effort, Al Nassr succumbed to a 1-2 defeat against Al Qadisiyah.

Trailing in the second half, the 40-year-old forward intensified his efforts and scored in the 81st minute. The opportunity arose after an Al Qadisiyah defender handled the ball in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for the home team. Ronaldo converted the spot-kick with a low shot to the left corner, which the Al Qadisiyah goalkeeper, despite guessing the correct direction, could not stop.

This goal extended Ronaldo's scoring streak to 25 consecutive calendar years, a record he has maintained since 2002. It marked his 958th career goal, and he continues to lead the Saudi Pro League top scorer list this season with 14 goals.

Throughout the match, Al Nassr dominated after the opening whistle, creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, star players like Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, and Joao Felix wasted these chances, highlighting the team's struggle to convert possession into goals.

Ronaldo scores a penalty.

Al Nassr's ineffective attack was compounded by serious defensive errors. In the 51st minute, goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi rushed out of the box, attempting a clearance that struck Julian Quinones' head and bounced towards the unguarded goal. The forward pursued the ball and easily slotted it into the empty net to open the scoring. In the 66th minute, Nahitan Nandez followed up a rebound to double Al Qadisiyah's lead. Ronaldo's subsequent goal was insufficient to salvage even one point for Al Nassr.

Al Nassr had a perfect start to the season, securing a run of 10 wins to sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. However, Ronaldo and his teammates have experienced a significant slump following the winter break, failing to win their last three matches. This poor run includes a 2-2 draw with Al Ettifaq, a 2-3 loss to Al Ahli, and the recent 1-2 defeat against Al Qadisiyah.

As a result of their recent form, Al Nassr has dropped to second place in the league standings with 31 points, trailing Al Hilal by 4 points. In the next round on 12/1, Al Nassr is scheduled to face Al Hilal in a crucial encounter that could significantly impact the title race.