Al Nassr suffered a major blow in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League title race on Saturday, falling 2–1 to Al Qadsiah in a disappointing result that could prove costly in the final stretch of the season. After the loss, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a 9-word message to rally his teammates and keep their focus on the road ahead.
Playing at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, Al Qadsiah shocked the visitors with goals from Turki Al-Ammar in the 35th minute and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 87th. Despite dominating possession, Al Nassr struggled in the final third—managing just 3 shots on target from 11 total attempts. Sadio Mane briefly gave the visitors hope with a goal in the 84th minute to level the score, but Aubameyang’s late strike sealed the win for the home side.
After the match, Ronaldo posted a message on his X account (formerly Twitter), writing: "Every game is a chance to grow. Together, Al Nassr." After scoring 4 goals in the last 2 games, the Portuguese star struggled to get through Al Qadisiya’s low block, ending up having a quiet night by his standards, limited to three shots—two of which were blocked and one that missed the target.
The day also carried emotional weight for Ronaldo, as it marked both his daughter’s birthday and the anniversary of the passing of his son. Prior to the beginning of the game, he shared a touching tribute on social media: "Happy day, my love! Our love is always with you. #AngelyBella."
The defeat comes at a critical time for Al Nassr, who had been riding a four-match winning streak. The loss halts their momentum and leaves their Saudi Pro League title hopes hanging by a thread. Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad lead the league with 65 points from 28 matches, while Al Hilal sit second with 61. Al Nassr trail both with 57 points, now 8 behind the leaders with just six games remaining in the season.
With only 18 points left on the table, Ronaldo and company will need to win out and hope both Al Hilal and Al Ittihad drop points if they are to lift the trophy come season’s end. The competition remains intense as teams vie for positions that could lead to Champions League qualification later this season.
Meanwhile, Al-Ahli also secured a significant win with a commanding 5-0 triumph over Al-Fayha earlier on Friday. Riyad Mahrez was instrumental for his team, contributing to all five goals and keeping their Champions League aspirations alive. He assisted three first-half goals: Ibanez scored twice before Ivan Toney added another just before half-time. In a dramatic turn of events for Al-Fayha, Orlando Mosquera received a red card early in the second half for handling outside his box. Mahrez won a penalty after being fouled by Faris Abdi, which Toney converted. Mahrez then scored himself with nine minutes left.
Elsewhere in the league, Damac overtook Al-Kholood by winning 3-1 in an earlier match on Friday. Georges-Kevin N'Koudou scored two penalties in the first half to give Damac control of the game. Although Myziane Maolida reduced the deficit in the second half, Nicolae Stanciu ensured Damac secured all three points with a late goal.
As the season heads into its final stretch, Al-Qadsiah now holds fifth place in the standings, trailing two points behind Al-Nassr and sharing points with fourth-placed Al-Ahli. The intensity of the league is palpable as every match counts, and teams are gearing up for the final push towards the championship and potential European qualification.
