Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi title hopes are dented by Aubameyang

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning his first silverware since joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia were dented by a 2-1 home defeat to Al Qadsiah on Friday.

The 38-year-old Ronaldo scored the first goal in the 32nd minute, reacting quickest to some suspicious goalkeepers and shooting the ball into the goal from close range.

However, this lead didn’t last long. Just five minutes later, Julián Quiñones equalized by chesting down a cross from the left touchline and then finishing deftly.

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

The Colombia-born Mexican international acrobatically controlled a cross at the far post and with his first touch of the ball directed it back across goal, where former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was waiting unmolested to put the visitors ahead .

Ronaldo and his teammates worked hard to force the equalizer but failed to break through Koen Casteels’ net and suffered a defeat that could have serious consequences for the fight for the league title.

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

With the win, Al-Qadsiah moves up to fifth place and is level on points with Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab.