Al Qadsiah 3-1 Al Nassr: Ronaldo's title hopes in jeopardy as 20-match winning streak ends

Key facts

• Al Qadsiah defeated Al Nassr 3-1 on May 3, 2026, at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.
• Al Nassr's 20-match winning streak across all competitions ended, equaling the longest of Cristiano Ronaldo's club career.
• Mohammed Abu Al Shamat opened the scoring in the 24th minute; João Félix equalized in the 39th minute.
• Musab Al Juwayr restored Al Qadsiah's lead in the 55th minute; Julián Quiñones sealed the win in the 78th minute.
• Al Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, five ahead of Al Hilal who have a game in hand.
• Ronaldo sits third in the SPL Golden Boot race with 25 goals, behind Quiñones (29) and Ivan Toney (27).
• Al Qadsiah are fourth with 68 points, one behind Al Ahli, and unbeaten at home this season.

Streak shattered in Dammam

Al Nassr’s 20-match winning streak across all competitions came to a dramatic end on Sunday night as Al Qadsiah secured a 3-1 victory at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. The defeat leaves Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Saudi Pro League title bid under serious pressure, with second-placed Al Hilal now able to close the gap to just two points if they win their game in hand against Al Khaleej on Tuesday. The result marks a major twist in the title race, which enters its final stretch with only three games remaining. Al Nassr had a golden opportunity to strengthen their grip at the top of the table, but instead saw their lead cut to five points — a margin that could vanish entirely by next week.

How the match unfolded

Al Qadsiah made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 24th minute when Mohammed Waheeb Abu Al Shamat arrived at the back post to convert a dangerous delivery from close range. The goal rewarded the home side’s early intensity and gave them a brief edge. Al Nassr responded with greater urgency before halftime. Cristiano Ronaldo struck the crossbar from a tight angle, a warning sign that the visitors were growing into the contest. The equaliser arrived in the 39th minute through João Félix, who met a cross from Marcelo Brozović and guided a precise effort into the top corner to level the match at 1-1. A key moment followed in the 41st minute as Iñigo Martínez received a yellow card during a physical phase of the game. Statistically, Al Nassr led in attacking output with five shots compared to Al Qadsiah’s two, but Ronaldo had two attempts and was unable to convert before halftime.

Second-half dominance by Al Qadsiah

Al Qadsiah regained the lead in the 55th minute when Musab Al Juwayr scored after being set up by Julián Quiñones. The goal shifted momentum decisively back to the hosts, who began to manage the game more effectively. Al Nassr struggled to build much momentum in response. Despite flashes from Félix and Ronaldo, their attacking play lacked quality, with several efforts blocked or drifting off target. As the game opened up in the closing stages, Al Qadsiah capitalised to put the result beyond doubt. Quiñones, already influential as a provider, turned scorer with a composed finish from the centre of the box in the 78th minute to make it 3-1. From that point, the outcome was effectively settled. Al Nassr continued to push, but their efforts were largely speculative, with Ronaldo’s late long-range attempt drifting wide as frustration grew.

Title race dynamics and Golden Boot implications

With this loss, Al Nassr saw their run of 20 consecutive matches won across all competitions come to an end, equalling the longest streak of Ronaldo’s club career. The defeat proved to be a double setback for the Portuguese star, who is also locked in a fierce SPL Golden Boot race. Ronaldo now sits third on 25 goals after Julián Quiñones found the net for Al Qadsiah to move onto 29 league goals, while Ivan Toney remains second with 27 for Al Ahli Saudi FC. The SPL title race could be set for a dramatic turning point on May 12 when Al Nassr host Al Hilal at Alawwal Park. If Al Hilal win their game in hand and then defeat Al Nassr next Tuesday, they will move one point clear at the top of the table provided Al Nassr first beat Al Shabab this Thursday.

Ronaldo's response and historical context

Ronaldo will be desperate to secure his first major trophy with Al Nassr after joining the club in 2023. In a post on his Instagram, the legendary number seven left a caption of: “One mission. We keep working. TOGETHER!” Although the side still have an AFC Champions League Two final to focus on, a title collapse at this stage of the season, with just three games remaining, would be utterly devastating. Al Qadsiah came into the clash holding a strong psychological edge, having won their previous four meetings against the league leaders. Historically, Al-Nassr still lead the overall head-to-head record with 15 wins from 28 matches, while Al Qadsiah have nine victories and four draws. However, the most recent encounters told a different story, including a 2–1 win for Al Qadsiah earlier in January 2026.

What comes next

Al Nassr must regroup quickly as they face Al Shabab on Thursday, a match they need to win to maintain their lead before the pivotal Riyadh derby against Al Hilal on May 12. Al Hilal, with a game in hand, could close the gap to two points with a win over Al Khaleej on Tuesday night. For Al Qadsiah, the victory strengthens their push for a top-three finish. They moved to 68 points in fourth place, just one point behind Al Ahli, and remain unbeaten at home this season. The result delivers a major twist in the title race while underscoring Al Qadsiah’s growing reputation as a formidable opponent.

The bottom line

• Al Nassr's 20-match winning streak ended with a 3-1 loss to Al Qadsiah, leaving their title hopes in jeopardy.
• Al Hilal can close the gap to two points with a win in their game in hand, setting up a decisive Riyadh derby on May 12.
• Julián Quiñones scored once and assisted another, moving to 29 league goals and leading the Golden Boot race.
• Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score and is now third in the Golden Boot standings with 25 goals.
• Al Qadsiah are unbeaten at home this season and moved to fourth place, one point behind Al Ahli.
• The title race will likely be decided in the final three games, with Al Nassr hosting Al Hilal in a potential winner-takes-all clash.