Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious career took another unexpected turn as he faced defeat with Al-Nassr during his milestone 100th appearance for the club.
On Friday night, the Riyadh outfit clashed with Al-Orobah at Al-Jouf University Stadium, only to succumb to a 2-1 loss, marking yet another challenging chapter for the veteran forward.
This incident occurred on February 28, 2025, with hopes high for Al-Nassr to secure their place among the Saudi Pro League's elite, especially as they aimed to bounce back from their recent losses.
Omar Al Somah was the first to break the deadlock for Al-Orobah, scoring with a precise finish just before halftime. His well-placed shot found the bottom-left corner of the net, highlighting the hosts' effectiveness on the counter-attack.
The momentum shifted after halftime when Al-Nassr leveled the scores through Nawaf Boushal. The substitute's entry proved invaluable as he netted from close range, equalizing the match.
Despite being back on level terms, Al-Nassr's fortunes declined rapidly. Just 14 minutes later, the game took another turn when Al-Orobah's Johann Berg Gudmundsson unleashed a stunning shot from outside the box, securing the winning goal for his side.
Statistically, Al-Nassr dominated the game, controlling possession with 72% and attempting 22 shots, including nine on target. Despite boasting these impressive numbers, the team was unable to convert their opportunities, missing at least four significant chances. Their expected goals (xG) for the match amounted to 1.89, contrasting sharply with Al-Orobah's low xG of 0.28, indicating their clinical edge.
Ronaldo, who has scored 89 goals and provided 19 assists across his 100 matches for Al-Nassr, struggled to find the net this time. Despite completing 30 passes with 91% accuracy and generating two goal-scoring chances during the game, he ended with only one shot on target from eight attempts, indicating just 13% accuracy.
Reflecting on this performance, fans expressed their frustrations on social media. One user complained, "Ronaldo seriously destroying Al-Nassr every season. I understand why Benzema unfollowed him on IG, he’s a loser." Another responded, "Ronaldo has been dreadful today. He might score, but the fact is, this is a horror show from someone of his standards!"
Other fans voiced similar sentiments, pointing out his lack of ambition and effectiveness by stating, "It makes no sense anymore; he just walks around aimlessly."
Al-Nassr's recent performance woes continue to raise questions about their title aspirations as they sit third on the Saudi Pro League table with 47 points, trailing leaders Al-Ittihad by nine points. This defeat marks their second loss within three matches, raising concerns among supporters and pundits alike.
The match's outcome lifts Al-Orobah to 11th place within the league standings, illustrating their ability to capitalize on fleeting opportunities.
Looking forward, the pressure mounts on Al-Nassr as they shift their focus to the AFC Champions League. Their next fixture against Esteghlal FC is pivotal; as they aim to transform their fortunes, starting with Monday’s match against the Iranian club.
Only time will determine how Al-Nassr adjusts following this defeat. Ronaldo, with his exceptional talent and experience, remains pivotal to the club's success, yet the spotlight will remain on him as he must translate his renowned prowess from practice to match day.