Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi title hopes hurt by Aubameyang

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s hopes of lifting his first piece of silverware since moving to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia were dashed on Friday after they were beaten 2-1 at home by Al Qadsiah.

Ronaldo, 38, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, reacting quickest to some suspect goalkeeping to slam home from close range.

However, that lead did not last long. Julian Quiñones leveled the affair just five minutes later, firing down a looping cross from the left touchline before finishing expertly.

Quiñones then became the provider in the second half after Al Nassr failed to convert significant possession into meaningful chances.

The Colombia international from Mexico acrobatically controlled a cross at the far post and headed it back across goal with his first touch, with the former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund star starring. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang waited unmarked to give the visitors the lead.

Ronaldo and his teammates worked hard to force an equalizer but were unable to break Koen Casteels’ net and fell to a defeat that could have serious consequences for their league title challenge.

Stefano Pioli’s side remain in third place in the Saudi Pro League, but are six points behind leaders and reigning champions Al Hilal, having played a game more.

Al Qadsiah move into fifth place with the win, level with Al Nassr and Al Shabab.