Islamabad: In a thrilling encounter in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25, Al Qadsiah stunned title contenders Al Nassr with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a dramatic late goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
This match was a key battle for the third spot in the league standings, which secures a place in the AFC Champions League.
The game kicked off with Al Qadsiah asserting dominance at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium, despite Al Nassr holding a greater share of possession.
Al Qadsiah’s first big chance came from Aubameyang, whose long-range shot from 30 yards just missed the target.
Soon after, Turki Al-Ammar and Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat forced Al Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento, into two saves.
Al Qadsiah’s persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Aubameyang’s shot was saved by Bento, and Al-Ammar pounced on the rebound to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.
Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, struggled to break down Al Qadsiah’s defensive setup. Despite a few half-chances, Al Qadsiah’s goalkeeper Koen Casteels remained largely untroubled.
However, in the 84th minute, Sadio Mane found the equalizer with a clinical finish off a well-weighted pass from Otavio.
Just as it looked like the match would end in a draw, Aubameyang became the hero in the 87th minute, scoring a brilliant header to seal all three points for Al Qadsiah.
This surprising victory puts Al Qadsiah on 55 points, moving them into fifth place, while Al Nassr remains third with 57 points.
The loss leaves Al Nassr’s title hopes in jeopardy as they trail leaders Al Ittihad by eight points with only six games left in the season.
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s efforts, he had a quiet game, failing to register a single shot on target. Al Nassr’s inability to break down Al Qadsiah’s defense has raised questions about their reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was involved in both of Al Qadsiah’s goals, proved to be the match-winner with his late header.
This result adds further frustration to Al Nassr’s pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title, as they are still without a league championship since Ronaldo’s arrival in 2023.
The loss also marks a blow for their hopes of catching up with Al Hilal, who are four points ahead, and Al Ittihad, who sit comfortably at the top of the table.
Also Read: Pakistan Football Set for Crucial Turning Point as PFF Elections Scheduled for May
With just six matches left in the season, it remains to be seen if Ronaldo and his team can close the eight-point gap and challenge for the title, but with such a disappointing display, the task ahead looks increasingly difficult.
