Saudi League: The 6 Games That Cost Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Title Race As Al Hilal Emerge Winners

• Al-Nassr missed out on the Saudi League title for the second season running
• Their main rivals, Al-Hilal, emerged champions with three matches to spare
• Sports Brief explores the six games that cost Cristiano Ronaldo league glory

Cristiano Ronaldo's pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title will extend into another season as Al-Nassr are set to finish as runners-up for the second consecutive season.

While it might be tempting to criticise the Portuguese superstar for failing to lead the Knights of Najd to their first league title since the 2018-19 season, it's crucial to acknowledge Al-Hilal's sheer dominance, as they proved formidable opponents.

Hilal clinched a record-extending 19th Pro League title with three games remaining, maintaining an unbeaten streak and dropping just four points out of the 91 available as of matchday 31.

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Nevertheless, Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr teammates will reflect on certain moments and recognise that they had the potential to challenge Al-Hilal and even win the title.

The 6 games which cost Al-Nassr SPL title

Sports Brief examines the six matches where Al-Nassr stumbled, ultimately contributing to their loss of the league crown and allowing their Riyadh rivals to claim the title.

1. Al Ettifaq 2-1 Al-Nassr, 14/08/2023

On paper, Al-Nassr appeared poised for victory, particularly following their Arab Club Champions Cup success.

Despite the talents of Sadio Mane and other A-list summer acquisitions, Luis Castro's team scored first but ultimately suffered a disappointing defeat against Steven Gerrard's side on opening day, ESPN reports.

Ronaldo's absence due to injury from the Arab Cup final set the tone for what would become a season marked by missed opportunities.

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2. Al-Nassr 0-2 Al Taawoun, 18/08/2023

Four days after their opening-day defeat, the Knights of Najd welcomed back their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, his return didn't change their fate, as Al-Nassr suffered another loss.

According to Sportstar, goals from Leandre Tawamba and Ahmed Bahusayn on either side of half-time deepened the woes of the Riyadh-based giants, denting their season and dimming their title hopes.

Despite dominating possession, the home side couldn't capitalise, and a more efficient Taawoun side made sure their hosts paid for their profligacy.

3. Al-Nassr 2-2 Abha, 06/10/2023

Following an initial setback, Al-Nassr regained momentum, embarking on an impressive eight-game winning streak.

They were poised to extend their dominance against Abha, especially after Otavio opened the scoring just three minutes into the game.

With Anderson Talisca doubling the lead shortly before the half-hour mark, the Knights of Najd seemed destined for another victory.

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However, a surprising second-half collapse saw Luis Castro's side concede two goals, including a stoppage-time equaliser from Karl Toko Ekambi, resulting in a disappointing 2-2 draw for the hosts, per Arab News.

4. Al-Hilal 3-0 Al-Nassr, 01/12/2023

The pivotal moment arrived when Al-Nassr faced off against their title contenders, Al-Hilal, in a match with significant implications for the championship (SPL) race.

After a closely fought first half, which ended with the score level, Al-Hilal surged ahead after the hour mark, scoring three goals and avenging their Arab Cup final loss.

This defeat marked the third loss of the campaign for Ronaldo and his teammates, ultimately assisting Al-Hilal on their path to clinching their 19th league title later in the campaign.

5. Al-Nassr 4-4 Al Hazm, 29/02/2024

How can you score four goals yet still not win a football match? That's a question only Al-Nassr can explain.

In a rollercoaster game where goals flew from both sides, Sadio Mane seemed to secure victory for Luis Castro's team with a thunderous penalty in the 94th minute.

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However, their vulnerability, particularly in defence, resurfaced, allowing the relegation-threatened Hazm side to capitalise.

Paulo Ricardo struck in the ninth minute of stoppage time, denying the hosts all three points, according to Fan Nation.

6. Al-Nassr 1-3 Al Raed, 07/03/2024

While Al-Hilal maintained a flawless record in their home games, Al-Nassr faltered, suffering an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Al Raed.

This loss came on the heels of a disappointing first-leg defeat to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League quarter-final.

Perhaps they were still grappling with the disappointment of that loss.

However, that couldn't excuse their poor performance, especially considering the presence of key players like Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic, Aymeric Laporte, and Alex Telles.

Since then, they haven't lost a game in the Saudi League. However, this impressive streak feels somewhat hollow, as Al-Hilal clinched the title with three games to spare, rendering Al-Nassr's late-season surge inconsequential.

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Neymar celebrates SPL title with daughter

Sports Brief also reported that Neymar Jr. delighted fans as he arrived with his adorable daughter to celebrate Al-Hilal's title victory.

The team clinched the Saudi Pro League championship on Saturday, May 11, defeating Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr to reclaim the crown.

Hilal sealed the coveted title with three games remaining after a commanding 4-1 victory over Al-Hazm.