Al-Nassr’s Unbeaten Run Ends as Title Race Heats Up

Al-Nassr’s flawless start to the Saudi League campaign came to a halt on Friday night as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Al-Ahli in Jeddah, ending an 11-match unbeaten streak and leaving their grip on top spot under threat from rivals Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo Silenced as Al-Ahli Strike

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a rare quiet evening at the King Abdullah Sports City, failing to find the net as Al-Nassr slipped to their first league loss of the season. English forward Ivan Toney gave Al-Ahli the early advantage with a brace, showcasing his sharp finishing and unsettling the visitors’ defence.

Al-Nassr responded through Abdulelah Al Amri, who struck twice in the first half to level the contest and briefly restore momentum for Luís Castro’s side. Yet the decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when Turkish defender Merih Demiral converted from close range, sealing victory for Matthias Jaissle’s men and sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

League Implications

Despite the setback, Al-Nassr remain top of the table thanks to their blistering run of ten straight wins at the start of the season, followed by a draw against Al Ettifaq. However, their lead is now precarious. Al-Hilal, sitting two points behind in second, can leapfrog Ronaldo’s side if they defeat Damac on Sunday.

Al-Ahli’s Statement Win

For Al-Ahli, the result was a significant boost in their push for a top-four finish. Currently fourth in the standings, Jaissle’s side demonstrated resilience and attacking quality, with Toney and Demiral delivering decisive contributions.

What Comes Next

The defeat serves as a reality check for Al-Nassr, who had looked untouchable in the opening months of the campaign. With Ronaldo unable to influence proceedings and defensive lapses proving costly, the title race has been thrown wide open. All eyes now turn to Al-Hilal’s clash with Damac, which could reshape the balance of power at the summit.