Cristiano Ronaldo is facing the prospect of another trophyless season at Al Nassr after a damaging 3-1 defeat to title rivals Al Hilal saw them surrender a first-half lead.
The Portugal star gave Nassr the advantage shortly before the break, finishing clinically in the 42nd minute after an assist from Kingsley Coman to score his 16th goal in all competitions.
Al Nassr had dominated the opening period, registering six shots to Al Hilal’s one, but the match unravelled rapidly after the restart.
Mohamed Simakan conceded a penalty early in the second half, allowing Salem Al Dawsari to level the score from the spot in the 57th minute.
Moments later, goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi was sent off for violent conduct following a VAR review, leaving Nassr to play the final half-hour with 10 men.
Al Hilal capitalised as Mohamed Kanno fired home from close range with nine minutes remaining before Ruben Neves sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty.
Neves played a decisive role throughout, providing an assist, drawing the red card incident and converting from the spot late on.
The defeat leaves Al Nassr seven points behind Al Hilal after 14 league games and extends their losing run to three matches, with their last victory coming on 27 December.
Despite Ronaldo’s goal, the collapse combined with penalties conceded by Simakan and Ali Al Hassan and Al Aqidi’s dismissal may have dealt a decisive blow to Nassr’s Saudi Pro League title hopes.
