Since the start of the 2024-2025 season, Ronaldo's Al Nassr, along with Al Hilal, are the only two undefeated teams in the Saudi Pro League. However, Al Nassr only has 22 points, ranking third and trailing league leaders Al Hilal by 6 points due to recent draws (Al Nassr drew 4 matches while Al Hilal drew only 1). In round 11, Al Nassr faced Al Qadisiyah – a newly promoted team currently considered a "dark horse" in the Saudi Pro League. With new signings like Nacho and Aubameyang, Al Qadisiyah performed excellently, ranking fifth and trailing Al Nassr by only 3 points.
Notably, the match between Al Nassr and Al Qadisiyah also marked Ronaldo's return after his time serving the Portuguese national team in the Nations League. The Portuguese striker did not participate in the final match against Croatia (November 19), returning to Saudi Arabia early to ensure his fitness. Ronaldo was also deployed as the furthest forward by coach Stefano Pioli, supported by Sadio Mane, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, and Ângelo.
Ronaldo (number 7) was allowed to return to Al Nassr early to prepare for the match against Al Qadisiyah.
With many world-class stars in their lineup, Al Nassr were the better team in the first half. However, coach Stefano Pioli's team squandered opportunities, only managing to end the first half with a 1-1 draw.
As usual, Ronaldo was the final target when Al Nassr attacked. In the 32nd minute, Ronaldo capitalized on a scramble in the penalty area, finishing from close range to give Al Nassr the lead. However, apart from this goal, the Al Nassr captain only touched the ball 13 times in the first half, most of which were outside the penalty area. He played poorly and failed to create any dangerous opportunities.
Meanwhile, Al Qadisiyah were particularly dangerous when playing counter-attacking football. Julian Quinones and Aubameyang constantly switched positions, making it difficult for Al Nassr's defenders to keep up. In the 38th minute, Julian Quinones produced a classy finish, bringing the game back to a tie.
Al Nassr (in yellow) were surprisingly held to a draw after the first half.
In the second half, Al Nassr unexpectedly lost control of the game to Al Qadisiyah. The absence of center-back Laporte left the home team's defense vulnerable and easily breached. In the 50th minute, Aubameyang finished accurately, putting Al Qadisiyah ahead 2-1. The assist for Aubameyang's goal came from none other than Julian Quinones.
Unexpectedly suffering a painful defeat, Al Nassr tried to push forward in attack for the remaining 30 minutes. However, Ronaldo was tightly marked and unable to make a difference. His teammates, such as Mane and Ângelo, continued to perform poorly, repeatedly missing shots despite having plenty of space. In midfield, Brozovic and Otavio were also powerless to help Al Nassr equalize.
Al Nass was helpless and unable to equalize.
After a surprising 1-2 defeat against Al Qadisiyah, Al Nassr's unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League 2024-2025 came to an end. Ronaldo and his teammates now have only 22 points after 11 matches, placing them third and six points behind league leaders Al Hilal (Al Nassr have played one more game). Worse still, Al Nassr have allowed Al Shabab and Al Qadisiyah, who are behind them in points, to catch up.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ronaldo-ghi-ban-al-nassr-van-thua-nguoc-doi-vua-len-hang-dut-luon-mach-bat-bai-18524112301112001.htm
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