Al Qadsiah 3-1 Al Nassr: Ronaldo's title hopes dealt severe blow as 20-match streak ends

Key facts

• Al Qadsiah defeated Al Nassr 3-1 on May 3, 2026, at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.
• The loss ended Al Nassr's 20-match winning streak across all competitions.
• Al Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, but Al Hilal can close to within two points with a game in hand.
• Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score and now sits third in the Golden Boot race with 25 goals, behind Julián Quiñones (29) and Ivan Toney (27).
• Al Qadsiah extended their unbeaten home run to 15 matches, moving to 68 points in fourth place.
• The Riyadh derby between Al Nassr and Al Hilal on May 12 could decide the title.

Shock defeat in Dammam ends Al Nassr's record run

Al Nassr’s 20-match winning streak came to a dramatic end on Sunday night as they fell 3-1 to Al Qadsiah at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, casting fresh doubt over Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of securing his first Saudi Pro League title with the club. The defeat, which equalled the longest winning streak of Ronaldo’s club career, leaves Al Nassr still top of the table with 79 points from 31 matches. But second-placed Al Hilal, who have a game in hand, can reduce the gap to just two points with a win over Al Khaleej on Tuesday night.

How Al Qadsiah overturned a halftime stalemate

The match was level at 1-1 at halftime after a competitive first half. Al Qadsiah opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Mohammed Waheeb Abu Al Shamat, who finished a well-worked move after an assist from Christopher Bonsu Baah. Al Nassr responded before the break, with João Félix converting from close range in the 39th minute following a setup by Marcelo Brozović. Al Qadsiah regained the lead in the 55th minute when Musab Al-Juwayr scored after an assist from Julián Quiñones. Quiñones then sealed the win in the 78th minute, capping a standout performance as Al Nassr struggled to respond.

Ronaldo's double setback: title race and Golden Boot

The defeat proved a double setback for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star, who joined Al Nassr in 2023, is desperate to secure his first major trophy with the club. After the match, he posted on Instagram: “One mission. We keep working. TOGETHER!” Ronaldo also slipped in the Golden Boot race. He now sits third on 25 goals, while Julián Quiñones moved to 29 league goals with his strike, and Ivan Toney remains second with 27 for Al Ahli Saudi FC.

Title race dynamics: Al Hilal poised to strike

With just three games remaining, the loss has reopened the title race. Al Nassr had a golden opportunity to strengthen their grip at the top, but now Al Hilal can close to within two points if they win their game in hand on Tuesday. The Riyadh derby on May 12, when Al Nassr host Al Hilal at Alawwal Park, could prove decisive. 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. Although Al Nassr still have an AFC Champions League Two final to focus on, a title collapse at this stage would be utterly devastating.

Al Qadsiah's home dominance and top-four push

Al Qadsiah, unbeaten at home this season, extended their run to 15 home matches without defeat. The victory moved them to 68 points in fourth place, just one point behind Al Ahli. 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 recent encounters have shifted momentum: Al Qadsiah have now won their last five meetings, including a 2-1 win earlier in January 2026.

What comes next: decisive week ahead

The SPL title race could be set for a dramatic turning point on May 12 when Al Nassr host Al Hilal. Before that, Al Nassr face Al Shabab on Thursday. Al Hilal must first beat Al Khaleej on Tuesday to keep the pressure on. For Al Qadsiah, the win strengthens their push for a top-three finish and potential AFC Champions League qualification. Ronaldo and his teammates will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid what would be a devastating collapse in the final stretch of the season.

The bottom line

• Al Nassr's 20-match winning streak ended with a 3-1 loss to Al Qadsiah, leaving them top but vulnerable.
• Al Hilal can close to within two points with a game in hand, setting up a decisive Riyadh derby on May 12.
• Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score and now trails Julián Quiñones by four goals in the Golden Boot race.
• Al Qadsiah extended their unbeaten home run to 15 matches and moved to fourth place, one point behind Al Ahli.
• The result marks a major twist in the Saudi Pro League title race with only three games remaining.