In a marquee clash in Round 13 of the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr were beaten 2–3 away by Al Ahli, suffering their first league defeat of the season and seeing their previously solid grip on top spot come under serious threat.
The result came as a surprise to many fans, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s subdued performance became the main talking point after the match.
A Disappointing Start to the New Year, Failing to Step Up When It Mattered
This match marked Ronaldo’s first appearance of 2026, but it proved far from an ideal beginning to the new year.
Early in the game, Al Nassr’s defense showed cracks, conceding two quick goals that left the visitors in deep trouble. As team captain and attacking leader, Ronaldo was unable to inspire a response or steady the side in adversity.
In the 42nd minute, Al Nassr finally created a golden chance to pull one back. A precise cross from Al Amri found Ronaldo in front of goal, a type of close-range header that has long been one of his trademarks.
Unexpectedly, however, Ronaldo headed the ball over the bar despite having little pressure on him, squandering a prime opportunity to reduce the deficit. The miss left both the coaching staff and supporters in disbelief.
Continuing Dip in Form, Numbers Tell the Story
After the restart, there was no apparent improvement in Ronaldo’s performance. In the 62nd minute, Felix delivered a superb curling cross that put Ronaldo on the verge of a one-on-one situation.
Yet at the crucial moment, Ronaldo uncharacteristically miscontrolled the ball, allowing Al Ahli’s goalkeeper to collect it easily. The “amateurish” touch prompted Ronaldo to hold his head in frustration, clearly shaken by the miss.
As the match wore on, his frustration grew. In the 80th minute, Ronaldo attempted a long-range shot, only to send the ball sailing into the stands. He responded with a disappointed wave of his hand.
Post-match statistics underlined his struggles. Ronaldo registered four shots without a single one on target, missed one clear-cut chance, failed in his only dribble attempt, and won just two of six duels. He received a low rating of 5.8, ranking second from bottom among all players on the pitch.
Title Race Tightens as Pressure Mounts at the Top
Following two consecutive winless matches, Al Nassr have seen their lead at the top evaporate. Should Al Hilal secure a victory in this round, Al Nassr would drop to second place, a scenario that could significantly complicate Ronaldo’s pursuit of a league title.
For Ronaldo, this opening match of 2026 was anything but a fond memory. How quickly he can regain form and rediscover his scoring touch may prove decisive in determining Al Nassr’s path in the title race going forward.
