In a thrilling encounter in the Saudi Arabian First Division, Julián Quiñones and Al Qadisiya secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr, a match that could significantly impact the race for Asian Champions League qualification. This exciting showdown took place at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium on April 18, 2025, and featured plenty of drama and skill.
The match started with a bang, as Al Qadisiya took the lead in the 35th minute. Turki Al-Ammar found the back of the net, putting the home side ahead 1-0. This early goal ignited the hopes of Al Qadisiya's supporters, who were eager to see their team climb the league standings. With this goal, Al Qadisiya maintained their aspirations of breaking into the top tier of the championship.
As the second half unfolded, both teams made tactical adjustments in a bid to either equalize or extend their lead. However, it was a rather subdued performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled to make an impact against a resolute Al Qadisiya defense. Meanwhile, Al Nassr’s star Sadio Mané stepped up to level the score in the 84th minute, scoring a well-placed shot that made it 1-1 and seemed to set the stage for a draw.
Just when it appeared that the match would end in a stalemate, Al Qadisiya struck back decisively. In the 87th minute, Nahitan Nández delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Pierre Emerick Aubameyang rose above the defense to head the ball home, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Al Qadisiya. This late goal not only secured three vital points for the home side but also kept their hopes alive for a spot in the Asian Champions League.
Julián Quiñones played the full 90 minutes, showcasing his skills and contributing significantly to his team's offensive efforts throughout the match. His performance was pivotal in helping Al Qadisiya maintain pressure on their opponents, and he remains a key figure in their quest for success this season.
With this victory, Al Qadisiya climbed to 5th place in the league standings with 55 points, while Al Nassr remained in 3rd place with 57 points. The league is currently led by Al Ittihad, who sit at the top with 65 points. Despite the setback, Al Nassr is still in contention for the title, but the gap to the leaders is becoming increasingly challenging to bridge.
Looking ahead, Al Qadisiya's next challenge will be on Wednesday, April 23, when they travel to face Al Khaleej, who are currently positioned 10th in the league. This match presents another opportunity for Quiñones and his teammates to solidify their claims for a Champions League berth. Meanwhile, Al Nassr will be looking to bounce back as they prepare to take on Damac, who are currently sitting in 11th place. With only six matches remaining in the season, the race for both the title and Champions League qualification is heating up, making every match crucial for the teams involved.
The excitement surrounding the Saudi Arabian league continues to grow, with fans eagerly anticipating the next round of fixtures. Al Qadisiya's recent form suggests they could be dark horses in the final stretch of the season, while Al Nassr will need to regroup quickly to maintain their title challenge. As the league progresses, the stakes couldn't be higher for these teams and their star players.
