In a thrilling encounter in the 28th round of the Saudi Arabian Professional League, Al-Nassr faced off against Al-Qadisiyah on Friday, April 18, 2025, but ultimately fell short, losing 2-1. Despite the presence of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who played the entire match, Al-Nassr could not secure the equalizer needed to salvage a point.
The match took place at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, where the home side, Al-Qadisiyah, showcased their confidence from the outset. Al-Qadisiyah took the lead in the 35th minute when Turki Al-Ammar capitalized on a defensive lapse from Al-Nassr. Aubameyang's assist was pivotal, as he drew the defenders and allowed Al-Ammar to tap the ball into an empty net after a save from the goalkeeper, Bento.
Al-Nassr, who had come into the match on the back of three consecutive league victories, struggled to find their rhythm early on. The visitors were under pressure as Al-Qadisiyah controlled the pace and created more opportunities. Ronaldo, alongside his strike partner Jhon Duran, was unable to make a significant impact in the first half, with many of their attempts thwarted by the solid Al-Qadisiyah defense.
As the second half began, Al-Nassr ramped up their efforts to level the score. The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute when Sadio Mané, who had been a constant threat, received a precise lob from Otávio. Mané expertly controlled the ball and fired it into the far corner of the net, bringing the score to 1-1 and igniting hope for the visitors.
However, the joy for Al-Nassr was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Al-Qadisiyah responded decisively. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had been a menace throughout the match, scored the winning goal in the 87th minute. Following a well-placed cross from Nahitán Nández, Aubameyang leaped to head the ball into the net, restoring Al-Qadisiyah's lead at 2-1.
Despite seven minutes of added time, Al-Nassr failed to create any more scoring opportunities, leaving them with a disappointing loss. The defeat means Al-Nassr remains in third place in the league standings with 46 points, now trailing league leaders Al Ittihad by eight points.
After the match, Al-Nassr's coach expressed frustration over the team's inability to capitalize on their chances. "We had opportunities to win this game, but we just couldn't find the back of the net when it mattered most," he stated. The loss significantly hampers their chances of securing an AFC Champions League spot, as they now face a tough road ahead in the remaining fixtures of the season.
Al-Qadisiyah, on the other hand, celebrated a crucial victory that keeps them in contention for a higher league position. With this win, they have now recorded two consecutive victories against Al-Nassr, having previously defeated them in 2024. This match highlights the competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League, where every point is vital for teams vying for the top positions.
As the season progresses, Al-Nassr will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to challenge for the title and secure a spot in the AFC Champions League. The pressure is on for Ronaldo and his teammates, as they prepare for their next match in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season.
