The success and consistency of Al-Nassr this season has been driven by the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo, but the new year came up with a twist. During a dramatic evening in Jeddah, Al-Ahli gave the league leaders a painful defeat and ended the perfect Saudi Pro League record of Ronaldo to renovate the early 2026 scripts.
The match was one of the highlight events of the season and Al-Ahli was not shy to accept the event. Their rough pushing and non-fearing attacking style quickly messed up the rhythm of Al-Nassr. The visitors, who seemed to possess calmness, seemed hurried and exposed to pressure.
Ivan Toney took advantage mercilessly. The striker then shocked Al-Nassr by scoring twice within 20 minutes and capitalizing on defensive mistakes, entertaining the home fans. The ambitions dragged Al-Nassr out of their comfort zone and into a match that they were supposed to dominate.
Ronaldo was marked heavily all through, and was unable to assert himself, Al-Ahli shrank space and supplied it to the advance quite fast. He looked frustrated, which is hardly a common element in an event that had been characterized by calmness and control.
Though Al-Nassr tried to react, the very structure which had been supporting them during the season collapsed. The discipline and tempo of al Ahli made sure that the damage was made in the early times and Ronaldo and his team mates were left wondering how to avert the damage instead of trying to create one.
The defeat was not just a symbolic one, but also beyond the outcome. It broke the spell of destiny that had so far accompanied Al-Nassr and raised new confidence about the title race. Instead of certainty, there were questions, the first this season.
By the year 2026, Ronaldo will not only have to recover but to prove his dominance once again in a league that has just been made aware that even the greatest players in football cannot be brought down.
