Al-Nassr's 20-Match Winning Streak Ends in 3-1 Shock Defeat at Al-Qadsiah

Key facts

• Al-Nassr lost 3-1 to Al-Qadsiah on May 3, 2026, at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Dammam.
• The defeat ended Al-Nassr's 20-match winning streak across all competitions.
• Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat opened the scoring for Al-Qadsiah in the 24th minute.
• Joao Felix equalized for Al-Nassr in the 26th minute, his 23rd goal of the season.
• Musab Al Juwayr restored Al-Qadsiah's lead in the 55th minute, and Julian Quinones made it 3-1 in the 78th minute.
• Al-Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, 5 points ahead of Al-Hilal who have a game in hand.
• Seven arbitration experts debated the legitimacy of Felix's goal, with four citing a foul and three deeming it legal.

A Routine Hurdle Turns Into a Stunning Upset

Al-Nassr arrived in Dammam on Sunday night expecting a straightforward victory against mid-table Al-Qadsiah. Instead, they suffered a 3-1 defeat that shattered their aura of invincibility and handed the momentum back to their fiercest rivals, Al-Hilal, in the Saudi Pro League title race. The hosts struck first in the 24th minute when Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat reacted quickest to a loose ball and slotted home, rewarding Al-Qadsiah's energetic start. Cristiano Ronaldo responded almost immediately, unleashing a curling strike that beat the goalkeeper but rattled the crossbar, leaving the Portuguese captain visibly frustrated.

Felix's Equalizer Sparks Controversy

Just two minutes after Ronaldo's near miss, Al-Nassr found their equalizer. Joao Felix clinically capitalized on a lapse in the Al-Qadsiah backline, slotting home after a precise pass from Marcelo Brozovic. The goal was Felix's 23rd of the season across all competitions. However, the goal immediately sparked controversy. Footage showed a possible foul in the buildup, and seven arbitration experts were divided: Saad Al-Katheeri, Samir Osman, Gamal Al-Ghandour, and Ayman Dajish argued a foul should have been called, while Mohammed Kamal Risha, Nawaf Shukrallah, and Abdullah Al-Qahtani maintained the goal was legitimate. The goal stood, and the first half ended 1-1.

Defensive Fragility Exposed After the Break

Despite the equalizer, Al-Nassr's defensive vulnerabilities persisted. Ten minutes into the second half, Musab Al Juwayr restored Al-Qadsiah's lead after a pass from Julian Quinones, celebrating at the corner flag under the watchful eyes of new Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis. Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished in the 78th minute when Quinones punished another defensive error on a counter-attack, firing a direct shot past goalkeeper Bento to make it 3-1. Al-Nassr's backline, which had looked impenetrable during their winning streak, was repeatedly exposed.

End of a Dominant Run

The defeat was particularly bitter for Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus, who was visibly irritated on the touchline at the final whistle. The loss ended a remarkable run of 20 consecutive victories across all competitions, a streak that had made Al-Nassr appear unstoppable since early spring. Al-Nassr still sit atop the table with 79 points from 31 matches, five points ahead of second-placed Al-Hilal, who have played one fewer game. Al-Qadsiah, who remain unbeaten at home this season, moved to 68 points from 31 matches, sitting fourth, one point behind Al-Ahli with a game in hand.

Title Race Hinges on Upcoming Clash

The timing of the defeat could not be worse for Al-Nassr. Their aura of invincibility has been shattered just as they prepare for a crucial summit match against Al-Hilal on May 12, a fixture that could decide the destiny of the Saudi Pro League title. Al-Hilal, with a game in hand, now have a clear path to close the gap. If they win their outstanding match, they will trail Al-Nassr by just two points ahead of the direct confrontation. The title race, which once seemed all but decided, is now wide open.

Questions Over Consistency and Depth

For Al-Nassr, the defeat raises uncomfortable questions about their ability to sustain a title challenge under pressure. Despite boasting stars like Ronaldo, Felix, and Brozovic, the team's defensive lapses have become a recurring theme in high-stakes matches. Jorge Jesus now faces the challenge of regrouping his squad and restoring their confidence before the most important game of the season. The margin for error has evaporated, and Al-Nassr can no longer afford any slip-ups if they hope to lift the trophy.

The bottom line

• Al-Nassr's 20-match winning streak ended with a 3-1 loss to Al-Qadsiah, a team they were expected to beat comfortably.
• Joao Felix's equalizer was controversial, with four of seven arbitration experts believing a foul occurred in the buildup.
• Defensive errors cost Al-Nassr, as Al-Qadsiah scored twice after halftime to secure the win.
• Al-Nassr lead the table by 5 points but Al-Hilal have a game in hand, setting up a decisive clash on May 12.
• Al-Qadsiah remain unbeaten at home this season, moving to 68 points in fourth place.
• The title race is now wide open, with Al-Nassr's aura of invincibility shattered at a critical juncture.