Al Qadsiah Stuns Al Nassr 3-1, Ending 16-Match Winning Streak in Saudi Pro League

Key facts

• Al Qadsiah defeated Al Nassr 3-1 on May 3, 2026, at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Dammam.
• The loss ended Al Nassr's 16-match winning streak in the Roshn Saudi League.
• Al Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, five points ahead of Al Hilal who have a game in hand.
• Al Qadsiah moved to 68 points in fourth place, one point behind Al Ahli.
• Mohammed Abu Al Shamat opened the scoring in the 24th minute; João Félix equalized for Al Nassr in the 39th minute.
• Musab Al Juwayr restored Al Qadsiah's lead in the 55th minute, and Julián Quiñones sealed the win in the 78th minute.
• Al Qadsiah are unbeaten at home this season and have won their last five meetings against Al Nassr.
• Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr's captain, had two shots but failed to score.

A Shock Defeat in Dammam

Al Qadsiah delivered a seismic blow to Al Nassr's title ambitions on Sunday, defeating the league leaders 3-1 at the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium. The victory not only ended Al Nassr's 16-match winning run in the Roshn Saudi League but also tightened the battle for top-three positions. Al Nassr remain atop the table with 79 points from 31 matches, holding a five-point cushion over second-placed Al Hilal, who have a game in hand. Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, climbed to 68 points in fourth place, just one point behind Al Ahli, as the race for Asian Champions League qualification intensifies.

How the Match Unfolded

The hosts struck first in the 24th minute when Mohammed Abu Al Shamat converted a close-range finish after a well-worked move assisted by Christopher Bonsu Baah. Al Nassr responded before halftime, with João Félix equalizing in the 39th minute from a Marcelo Brozović setup. Al Qadsiah regained control early in the second half. In the 55th minute, Musab Al Juwayr scored after being set up by Julián Quiñones. Quiñones then sealed the victory in the 78th minute, capping a standout performance as Al Nassr struggled to mount a comeback.

Key Players and Turning Points

Julián Quiñones was instrumental for Al Qadsiah, providing an assist and scoring the decisive third goal. Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr's captain and talisman, was unable to make an impact, managing only two shots before being substituted. A yellow card for Iñigo Martínez in the 41st minute added to Al Nassr's defensive woes. Al Qadsiah's unbeaten home record this season proved crucial, as they extended their dominance over Al Nassr in recent meetings. The win marked their fifth consecutive victory against the league leaders, a stark reversal of the historical head-to-head record, which Al Nassr still leads 15 wins to nine.

Statistical Breakdown and Historical Context

Al Nassr entered the match on a 15-match winning streak across all competitions, having scored in every league game. Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, had been unbeaten in their last 15 home matches. The first half saw Al Nassr dominate in shots (5 to 2), but Al Qadsiah's efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. Historically, Al Nassr have won 15 of the 28 meetings between the sides, with Al Qadsiah winning nine and four draws. However, recent form has shifted dramatically: Al Qadsiah's 2–1 victory in January 2026 was their fourth straight win over Al Nassr, a trend that continued emphatically on Sunday.

Implications for the Title Race and Beyond

The result injects fresh uncertainty into the Saudi Pro League title race. Al Nassr's five-point lead over Al Hilal remains intact, but Al Hilal's game in hand offers them a chance to close the gap to two points. For Al Qadsiah, the win strengthens their push for a top-three finish, keeping them within striking distance of Al Ahli. Al Nassr will need to regroup quickly to maintain their advantage, while Al Qadsiah's momentum could propel them into contention for a Champions League spot. The defeat also raises questions about Al Nassr's depth and ability to perform under pressure in crucial fixtures.

What Comes Next

Al Nassr face a critical run of fixtures as they seek to secure the league title. Their next match will test their resilience after this setback. Al Qadsiah, buoyed by their home form and recent head-to-head dominance, will aim to continue their climb up the table. The Saudi Pro League season is entering its final stretch, with every match carrying heightened stakes. Al Qadsiah's victory serves as a reminder that no lead is safe, and the title race remains far from decided.

The bottom line

• Al Qadsiah's 3-1 win ended Al Nassr's 16-match winning streak and tightened the title race.
• Al Nassr remain top with 79 points, five ahead of Al Hilal who have a game in hand.
• Al Qadsiah moved to fourth with 68 points, one point behind Al Ahli.
• Julián Quiñones and Musab Al Juwayr were key contributors for Al Qadsiah.
• Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score, managing only two shots.
• Al Qadsiah have now won five consecutive matches against Al Nassr.