Al-Nassr's 20-match winning streak ends in 3-1 defeat to Al-Qadsiah, title race reopens

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 run across all competitions.
• Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat opened the scoring in the 24th minute for Al-Qadsiah.
• 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.
• Julián Quiñones made it 3-1 in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error.
• Al-Nassr still top the Saudi Pro League table but their invincibility is shattered.
• German referee Osmers officiated the match.

A stunning upset in Dammam

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr suffered a devastating blow to their silverware ambitions on Sunday night as they fell to a surprise 3-1 defeat against Al-Qadsiah. The result brings an end to their dominant run and hands the initiative back to their fiercest rivals Al-Hilal in the race for the Saudi Pro League crown. The match, played at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Dammam on May 3, 2026, was expected to be a routine hurdle on Al-Nassr's path to the title. Instead, the hosts refused to follow the script and took a deserved lead in the 24th minute when Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat reacted quickest to find the back of the net, rewarding his side's energetic start.

Ronaldo hits the bar, Felix equalizes

Ronaldo attempted to drag his side back into the contest almost immediately, unleashing a signature curling strike that looked destined for the top corner. However, luck was not on the Portuguese legend's side as the ball rattled off the crossbar, leaving the Al-Nassr captain frustrated as the visitors struggled to find their rhythm in a difficult first half. The equaliser did eventually arrive just two minutes after Ronaldo's near miss. Joao Felix clinically capitalised on a lapse in the Al-Qadsiah backline. After being found by a precise pass from Marcelo Brozovic, the former Barcelona man slotted home his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions.

Defensive fragility costs Al-Nassr

Despite the momentary relief provided by Felix, Jorge Jesus' side remained defensively fragile. The backline was repeatedly exposed, and Musab Al Juwayr restored Al-Qadsiah's lead in the 55th minute. Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished in the 78th minute when Julián Quiñones punished another defensive error to make it 3-1 and secure the victory for the home side. When the final whistle blew, Jesus was visibly irritated on the touchline. The defeat was particularly bitter as it ended a remarkable run of 20 consecutive victories for Al-Nassr across all competitions. What had looked like an unstoppable march toward the Saudi Pro League trophy has now been derailed by a side they were expected to beat comfortably.

Title race wide open again

While Al-Nassr still sit at the top of the table for now, the aura of invincibility that had surrounded the squad since early spring has been shattered at the worst possible time. The loss hands the initiative back to Al-Hilal, their fiercest rivals, who now have a chance to close the gap in the Saudi Pro League standings. The defeat also raises questions about Al-Nassr's depth and defensive solidity. With key players like Ronaldo, Felix, and Brozovic in the starting XI, the team was expected to dominate, but lapses at the back proved costly. German referee Osmers officiated the match, which saw Al-Qadsiah's disciplined performance rewarded with three points.

What comes next for Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr must now regroup quickly as they face Al-Shabab in their next fixture. Several players are reportedly threatened with absence due to injuries or suspensions, adding to the pressure on coach Jorge Jesus. The team's response will be crucial in determining whether they can regain their momentum or if this defeat marks a turning point in the season. Meanwhile, Al-Qadsiah's victory has ignited the league race, with crazy scenarios now possible for the title. Ronaldo sent a decisive message to fans after the loss, though its content remains undisclosed. The coming weeks will test Al-Nassr's resilience as they seek to secure Ronaldo's first major trophy with the club.

The bottom line

• Al-Nassr's 20-match winning streak ended with a 3-1 loss to Al-Qadsiah on May 3, 2026.
• Cristiano Ronaldo hit the crossbar early, and Joao Felix scored his 23rd goal of the season.
• Defensive errors allowed Al-Qadsiah to score twice in the second half through Musab Al Juwayr and Julián Quiñones.
• Al-Nassr still top the Saudi Pro League table but face renewed pressure from Al-Hilal.
• The defeat raises doubts about Al-Nassr's defensive stability and their ability to win the title.
• Next match against Al-Shabab is critical for Al-Nassr to regain momentum.