Al-Nassr Suffer First Pro League Defeat As Al-Qadsiah Beat 3-1 To Halt 17-match Run

Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Nassr slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Al-Qadsiah, ending a 17-match unbeaten sequence and a run of 16 consecutive league victories. The result at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium leaves the door open for second-place Al-Hilal, who can move within two points by beating Al-Khaleej on Tuesday.

Julian Quinones again proved decisive for Al-Qadsiah, scoring once and assisting another goal while stretching Al-Nassr throughout. The Saudi Pro League top scorer notched a 29th league goal of the season, as Al-Nassr’s defensive errors and lack of attacking precision combined to damage the visitors’ title momentum.

Statistically, Al-Nassr produced one of their least effective league displays of the season. Jorge Jesus’ team hit only two shots on target and finished with an expected goals total of 0.6, far below Al-Qadsiah’s 2.17 xG, underlining how the hosts repeatedly created higher-quality chances.

Quinones’ influence extended beyond the goal and assist for Al-Qadsiah against Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Quinones recorded four attempts, the same number as Cristiano Ronaldo, and led all players for touches inside the penalty area with nine. Quinones also produced four efforts from inside the box and three shots on target.

The match began with a warning for Al-Nassr when goalkeeper Bento denied Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat in the 11th minute. Al-Qadsiah capitalised later in the first half as Al-Shamat converted Christopher Bonsu Baah’s cross. Ronaldo then struck the crossbar before Joao Felix levelled on 39 minutes with a first-time finish from Marcelo Brozovic’s low delivery.

After half-time, Al-Nassr lost control when Brozovic was dispossessed 10 minutes into the second period. Quinones collected the ball and rolled a pass for Musab Al-Juwayr, who finished calmly. More hesitation in defence then allowed Brendan Rodgers’ side a third, as Quinones swept in from a loose ball 12 minutes from time.

The figures highlight how Al-Qadsiah consistently fashioned clearer openings than Al-Nassr, despite facing the league leaders. While Ronaldo matched Quinones for total shots, Al-Nassr struggled to turn possession into danger, and the defensive mistakes around both second-half goals proved decisive in shifting the Saudi Pro League title picture.

Despite the setback, Al-Nassr remain top of the Saudi Pro League, though the advantage may narrow if Al-Hilal win against Al-Khaleej. The defeat, shaped by individual errors and limited attacking threat, underlines how the title race can still shift quickly during the closing stages of the season.