RIYADH — Al Qadsiah delivered a stunning blow to Al Nassr, defeating them 2-1 in Round 11 of the Saudi Pro League and marking the team's first league loss of the season. This defeat keeps Al Nassr at 22 points, maintaining their position in third place, tied with Al Shabab and Al Qadsiah, who reached the same tally with this victory. The gap with league leaders Al Hilal is now set to widen, pending their match against Al Khaleej on Saturday. In a thrilling encounter that brought together former Real Madrid captains Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain's Nacho, Al Nassr struck first. Ronaldo scored in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on a precise pass from Mohamed Simakan to beat Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Al Qadsiah responded swiftly, with Julian Quiñones equalizing just five minutes later. The Mexican forward converted a cross from Turki Al Ammar to level the score at 1-1 before halftime. The second half saw Quiñones turn playmaker, delivering a pinpoint assist to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored the winning goal in the 55th minute to secure Al Qadsiah's victory. This win extends Al Qadsiah's remarkable form to four consecutive victories, propelling them up the league standings. Al Nassr, however, felt the absence of key players Aymeric Laporte and Anderson Talisca. Additionally, their match at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh was marred by the injury of Ayman Yahya, who was forced off just five minutes after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
