Al-Ittihad Stun Ronaldo's Al-Nassr 2-1 in Saudi Clasico

Al-Ittihad Stun Ronaldo's Al-Nassr 2-1 in Saudi Clasico 

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr suffered their first defeat of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season on Saturday, September 5, going down 2-1 to rivals Al-Ittihad at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. George Ilenikhena's early double put the hosts in control and despite a second-half fightback from the visitors Al-Nassr could not find an equaliser also ending manager Ange Postecoglou's unbeaten start on the bench.

Final Score: Al-Ittihad 2-1 Al-Nassr

Competition: Saudi Pro League 2026-27, Matchday 5

Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, September 5, 2026

Goalscorers: George Ilenikhena (4', 22') for Al-Ittihad; Angelo Gabriel (36') for Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo went scoreless, ending his side's unbeaten start to the season

Al-Nassr had won all four of their opening league matches before this defeat

Al-Ittihad move into the top four of the Saudi Pro League table with the win

Ilenikhena's Devastating Start

Al-Ittihad made the perfect start at home taking the lead inside four minutes through a George Ilenikhena header The striker doubled his tally in the 22nd minute finishing calmly with his left foot after being played through by Houssem Aouar giving the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead inside the opening half-hour.

Ronaldo and Al-Nassr's Response

Al-Nassr searched for a way back into the match, and it was Ronaldo who played a key role in setting up their goal. The Portuguese forward released Joao Felix into the box whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, but Angelo Gabriel reacted fastest to convert the rebound and reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the 36th minute. Despite pushing for an equaliser through the second half and into stoppage time, Al-Nassr could not find a way past Al-Ittihad's defence, and Ronaldo himself failed to register a goal for the first time this season.

Postecoglou's Unbeaten Run Ends

The defeat was also a setback for Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou, whose side had won all four of their opening Saudi Pro League fixtures and had not lost since a Champions League Two final defeat to Gamba Osaka in May Al-Nassr had entered the match aiming to draw level with league leaders Al-Hilal, but instead they return home without a point from Jeddah.

What the Result Means

Al-Ittihad's win moves them into the top four of the Saudi Pro League table, continuing an unbeaten run domestically that stretched their winning momentum after the recent addition of Colombian midfielder Richard Rios to their squad. For Al-Nassr, the loss ends a positive start to the season and puts pressure on Ronaldo and his teammates to respond quickly in their next league fixture as Al-Hilal continue to lead the standings.

Q1: What was the final score between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr?

Al-Ittihad won 2-1 against Al-Nassr.

Q2: Who scored the goals in the match?

George Ilenikhena scored twice for Al-Ittihad, while Angelo Gabriel scored Al-Nassr's only goal.

Q3: Did Cristiano Ronaldo score in this match?

No, Ronaldo went scoreless, though he set up Al-Nassr's goal with a pass to Joao Felix.

Q4: Was this Al-Nassr's first defeat of the season?

Yes, it was Al-Nassr's first league defeat of the 2026-27 season and ended Ange Postecoglou's unbeaten start as manager.

Q5: How does this result affect the Saudi Pro League table?

Al-Ittihad move into the top four, while Al-Nassr miss the chance to draw level with league leaders Al-Hilal.

Conclusion

A clinical opening half-hour from George Ilenikhena proved decisive as Al-Ittihad handed Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr their first defeat of the season in a keenly contested Saudi Clasico. With Al-Hilal continuing to lead the table, Al-Nassr will be eager to bounce back quickly, while Al-Ittihad look to build on a result that lifts them into the league's top four.

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