Al-Nassr’s quest for a top-three finish in the Saudi Pro League suffered another setback as Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against mid-table Al-Orobah. Despite their dominance in possession, the Riyadh giants failed to break through the resolute defense of their hosts, leaving them nine points adrift of league leaders Al-Ittihad and at risk of missing out on a coveted AFC Champions League spot.
Frustration for Ronaldo as Al-Orobah Stun Title Chasers
Al-Orobah started the match with confidence, absorbing early pressure before launching dangerous counter-attacks. Their patience paid off in the 40th minute when Omar Al-Somah expertly finished past Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento, following a swift break. The goal stunned the visitors, who struggled to find an equalizer before halftime.
Stefano Pioli’s men came out firing in the second half, and their persistence paid off quickly as halftime substitute Nawaf Boushal slotted home from an inch-perfect Angelo through ball to restore parity. However, Al-Nassr’s joy was short-lived as former Burnley winger Johann Gudmundsson produced a moment of brilliance in the 63rd minute, unleashing a stunning long-range strike that left Brazilian shot-stopper Bento helpless.
Missed Chances and Ronaldo’s Off-Night
Desperate to avoid another costly defeat, Al-Nassr pushed forward relentlessly, creating multiple opportunities. However, their finishing let them down as both Jhon Duran and Ronaldo squandered golden chances to salvage at least a point. The Portuguese superstar, who was expected to be the difference-maker, struggled to connect with his teammates, often disrupting key attacking moves. Meanwhile, Duran, Al-Nassr’s highly-rated new signing, failed to justify his price tag, missing two crucial opportunities late in the game.
MVP – Rafi Al-Ruwaili’s Heroics Secure Al-Orobah’s Victory
Al-Orobah’s goalkeeper, Rafi Al-Ruwaili, delivered a match-winning performance, making six crucial saves to deny Al-Nassr’s attacking stars. The Saudi shot-stopper, who was only recently promoted to the starting lineup, frustrated Ronaldo and company with his reflex saves and quick reactions, proving to be the difference between victory and defeat.
What’s Next for Al-Nassr?
With their title hopes all but gone, Al-Nassr must now regroup and focus on securing a top-three finish. Pioli faces mounting pressure to get his side back on track, and with upcoming fixtures against direct rivals in the battle for AFC Champions League qualification, the Riyadh-based club cannot afford more slip-ups.
Will Ronaldo and his team bounce back, or is this a sign of deeper problems within Al-Nassr’s squad? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining their fate.
