Al Qadsiah haunted Al Nassr once more, extending their nightmare run against the promoted side as Cristiano Ronaldo endured a night to forget in the Saudi Pro League.
The 1-0 defeat on Friday, February 14, 2025, marked another chapter in what is becoming an uncomfortable pattern for the Riyadh giants. Al Qadsiah, who returned to the top flight this season, have now taken maximum points from both league meetings with Al Nassr in the 2024-25 campaign.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game in the 35th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range. The strike proved decisive as Al Nassr failed to find an answer despite dominating possession in the second half.
Ronaldo, who had scored in his previous three appearances, was unusually subdued. The Portuguese superstar managed just one shot on target and cut a frustrated figure as Al Qadsiah’s defence held firm. His quietest performance of the season came at the worst possible time for his side.
The result leaves Al Nassr trailing in the title race, now sitting third in the table with 44 points from 22 matches. Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, climbed to seventh place with 37 points, continuing their impressive debut season back in the top division.
Al Nassr head coach Luis Castro admitted after the match that his team lacked sharpness in the final third. “We controlled large parts of the game but could not convert our chances,” he said. “Al Qadsiah defended well and took their opportunity. We have to look at ourselves and improve.”
For Al Qadsiah, this victory adds to a growing reputation as giant-killers. They have now beaten both Al Nassr and Al Hilal this season, proving their promotion was no fluke. Manager Michel echoed that sentiment in his post-match comments: “This team has belief. We respect every opponent but fear none. Tonight we showed what we are capable of.”
The defeat also highlighted Al Nassr’s ongoing struggles against compact defensive setups. Despite boasting one of the league’s most expensive attacking line-ups, they have now failed to score in three of their last five away matches.
Attention now turns to Al Nassr’s next fixture against Al Wehda on February 21, 2025, where they will look to bounce back. Al Qadsiah, riding high after this statement win, travel to Al Raed on the same date.
