Al Qadsiah 3-1 Al Nassr: Unbeaten home run ends Ronaldo's 20-match streak, throws title race open

Key facts

• Al Qadsiah defeated Al Nassr 3-1 on May 3, 2026 at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium.
• Al Nassr's 20-match winning streak across all competitions ended, equalling Ronaldo's club career best.
• Al Qadsiah remain unbeaten at home this season and have now won five consecutive meetings against Al Nassr.
• Julián Quiñones scored one goal and assisted another, moving to 29 league goals, while Ronaldo remained on 25.
• Al Nassr lead the table with 79 points from 31 matches, five ahead of Al Hilal who have a game in hand.
• The Riyadh derby on May 12 could see Al Hilal go top if they win their game in hand and beat Al Nassr.

A streak shattered in Dammam

Al Qadsiah brought Al Nassr's extraordinary 20-match winning run to a decisive halt on Sunday night, winning 3-1 at the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium. The defeat was only the second time this season the league leaders have dropped points, and it injected fresh uncertainty into a title race that had seemed all but settled. For Cristiano Ronaldo, the loss was a double blow: his hopes of a first Saudi Pro League title now depend on results elsewhere, and his individual pursuit of the Golden Boot suffered as Julián Quiñones extended his lead at the top of the scoring chart.

How the match unfolded

The hosts struck first in the 24th minute when Mohammed Abu Al Shamat turned in a close-range finish after a clever assist from Christopher Bonsu Baah. Al Nassr responded before halftime, João Félix equalising in the 39th minute from Marcelo Brozović's setup, and Iñigo Martínez was booked two minutes later during a scrappy phase of play. Al Qadsiah regained the lead 10 minutes into the second half through Musab Al Juwayr, who was set up by Quiñones. The Colombian then sealed the victory in the 78th minute, capping a standout performance that left Al Nassr's defence chasing shadows. Ronaldo had two attempts in the first half but was unable to find the net, and the visitors managed only five shots to Al Qadsiah's two in the opening period.

Title race dynamics shift dramatically

Al Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, but second-placed Al Hilal can close the gap to just two points by winning their game in hand against Al Khaleej on Tuesday. The Riyadh derby on May 12 at Alawwal Park now looms as a potential title decider: if Al Hilal win both their midweek fixture and that clash, they would move one point clear with only two games remaining. Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, climbed to 68 points in fourth place, just one point behind Al Ahli, strengthening their push for a top-three finish. The result also ended Al Nassr's 16-match winning streak in the league specifically, a run that had stretched back months.

Ronaldo's response and the Golden Boot race

In the aftermath of the defeat, Ronaldo posted on Instagram: "One mission. We keep working. TOGETHER!" The Portuguese forward, who joined the club in 2023, is still seeking his first major trophy with Al Nassr. His 25 league goals place him third in the Golden Boot standings, behind Ivan Toney (27) and leader Quiñones (29). Quiñones's goal and assist on Sunday not only decided the match but also widened his advantage in the scoring chart, putting Ronaldo's hopes of individual silverware under serious pressure.

Historical context and home fortress

Al Qadsiah came into the fixture holding a strong psychological edge, having won their previous four meetings against Al Nassr. Historically, Al Nassr still lead the head-to-head with 15 wins from 28 matches, but recent results have shifted decisively: Al Qadsiah had also won 2-1 earlier in January 2026. The hosts extended their unbeaten home record this season, a run that now spans 15 league matches. Their defensive organisation and counter-attacking efficiency proved too much for a Al Nassr side that had scored in every league game prior to Sunday.

What comes next for both sides

Al Nassr face Al Shabab on Thursday before the pivotal derby against Al Hilal on May 12. With only three league games remaining after that, any further slip could prove fatal to their title ambitions. The club also has an AFC Champions League Two final to prepare for, adding to the pressure on Ronaldo and his teammates. For Al Qadsiah, the victory keeps them in contention for a top-three finish and confirms their status as one of the league's most resilient sides. Their ability to perform under pressure against the division's best will give them confidence as they push for a place in next season's Asian competition.

The bottom line

• Al Nassr's 20-match winning streak ended with a 3-1 loss to Al Qadsiah, leaving the title race finely balanced.
• Al Hilal can move top of the table by winning their game in hand and the upcoming Riyadh derby on May 12.
• Julián Quiñones leads the Golden Boot race with 29 goals, four ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
• Al Qadsiah remain unbeaten at home this season and have now won five consecutive matches against Al Nassr.
• Ronaldo's first Saudi Pro League title is in jeopardy with just three games remaining after the derby.