Al Qadsiah 3-1 Al Nassr: Ronaldo's title hopes dealt major blow as unbeaten run ends

Key facts

• Al Qadsiah defeated Al Nassr 3-1 on May 3, 2026, at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.
• Al Nassr's 20-game winning streak across all competitions ended, equalling Ronaldo's longest club streak.
• Al Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, five ahead of Al Hilal who have a game in hand.
• Cristiano Ronaldo sits third in the SPL Golden Boot race with 25 goals, behind Julián Quiñones (29) and Ivan Toney (27).
• Al Qadsiah are fourth with 68 points, one point behind Al Ahli, and unbeaten at home this season.
• Al Nassr host Al Hilal on May 12 in a Riyadh derby that could decide the title.
• Mohammed Abu Al Shamat, Musab Al-Juwayr, and Julián Quiñones scored for Al Qadsiah; João Félix for Al Nassr.

Streak shattered in Dammam

Al Nassr’s 20-game winning streak across all competitions came to a dramatic halt on Sunday night as Al Qadsiah secured a 3-1 victory at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. The defeat, which equalled the longest unbeaten run of Cristiano Ronaldo’s club career, leaves the Portuguese star’s first Saudi Pro League title bid under severe pressure with just three matches remaining. Al Qadsiah, who had won their previous four meetings against the league leaders, extended their dominance in the fixture despite Al Nassr’s historical edge of 15 wins in 28 encounters. The result marks a significant shift in momentum, as the hosts remain unbeaten at home this season and strengthen their push for a top-three finish.

First-half exchanges set the stage

The match began with Al Qadsiah’s early intensity rewarded in the 24th minute when Mohammed Waheeb Abu Al Shamat finished a well-worked move after an assist from Christopher Bonsu Baah. The goal gave the home side a brief edge, but Al Nassr responded before halftime. João Félix equalized in the 39th minute, converting from close range following a setup by Marcelo Brozović. The visitors increased their attacking pressure after falling behind and began to control more of the play. A key moment followed in the 41st minute as Iñigo Martínez received a yellow card during a physical phase of the game. At the break, the score stood at 1-1, with Al Nassr leading in attacking output with five shots compared to Al Qadsiah’s two. Cristiano Ronaldo had two attempts but was unable to convert.

Second-half surge seals victory for Al Qadsiah

Al Qadsiah regained the lead in the 55th minute when Musab Al-Juwayr scored following an assist from Julián Quiñones. The goal shifted momentum back to the hosts, who began to manage the game more effectively. Quiñones then sealed the win in the 78th minute, capping a standout performance as Al Nassr struggled to respond, with Ronaldo unable to make an impact. The defeat proved a double setback for Ronaldo, who is also locked in a fierce SPL Golden Boot race. The Portuguese star now sits third on 25 goals after Quiñones moved onto 29 league goals, while Ivan Toney remains second with 27 for Al Ahli Saudi FC.

Title race wide open with three games left

Al Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, holding a five-point lead over second-placed Al Hilal, who have a game in hand. Al Qadsiah moved to 68 points in fourth place, just one point behind Al Ahli. The result delivers a major twist in the title race, as Al Hilal could close the gap to just two points with a win over Al Khaleej on Tuesday night. 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 the side still have an AFC Champions League Two final to focus on, a title collapse at this stage of the season would be utterly devastating.

Ronaldo remains defiant despite mounting pressure

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!” The message underscores his determination to lead his side to SPL glory despite the setback. However, the defeat to Al Qadsiah has reopened the title race for challengers Al Hilal, and with just three games remaining, every point is crucial. The coming week will determine whether Al Nassr can hold on or whether their historic streak will be remembered as a prelude to a dramatic collapse.

The bottom line

• Al Qadsiah's 3-1 win ended Al Nassr's 20-game winning streak and reopened the Saudi Pro League title race.
• Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of winning his first SPL title are under threat, with Al Hilal poised to close the gap.
• Julián Quiñones scored and assisted, moving to 29 league goals and leading the Golden Boot race.
• The Riyadh derby on May 12 between Al Nassr and Al Hilal could decide the championship.
• Al Qadsiah remain unbeaten at home and are pushing for a top-three finish, now fourth with 68 points.