Al-Nassr 1-2 Al-Qadsiah: Aubameyang winner ends hosts´ unbeaten run

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the winner as Al-Qadsiah inflicted a 2-1 defeat on Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Friday to end their 21-match unbeaten run.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s seventh league goal of the season put Al-Nassr ahead, but Al-Qadsiah replied swiftly through Julian Quinones before Aubameyang struck the decisive blow.

The hosts drew first blood in the 32nd minute when Ronaldo slotted home after Al-Qadsiah goalkeeper Koen Casteels had spilled a routine catch from Talisca’s cross.

However, Al-Nassr’s joy was short-lived when Quinones brought down Turki Al Ammar’s delivery five minutes later, with the Mexico winger firing past Bento to level the scores.

Quinones also played a part in the winning goal after brilliantly turning the ball back across goal from Nahitan Nandez’s searching pass to tee up a simple finish for Aubameyang.

The result sees Al-Qadsiah move level on 22 points with third-placed Al-Nassr, with Al-Shabab also level with them.

Stefano Pioli’s Al-Nassr are six points adrift of defending champions and leaders Al-Hilal, who also have a game in hand.

A statment in the capital #AlNassrAlQadsiah | #RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/rmfZXQxuOW

— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) November 22, 2024

Data Debrief: The streak is over

Going into the game, Al-Nassr were unbeaten in their last 21 league matches (W15 D6) – their longest unbeaten run in the competition since a 32-match streak between January 2013 and February 2014.

But that impressive run of results came crashing down at Al Awal Park on a historic night for visitors Al-Qadsiah, managed by former Spain midfielder Michel.

It was the first time since the 2011-12 season that Al-Qadsiah beat Al-Nassr at home in the Saudi top division and the landmark win came courtesy of Quinones and Aubameyang, who both netted their fifth league goal of the season.

Though they were made to work for their triumph. Al-Qadsiah ended with an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.43 compared to Al-Nassr’s 3.29 from their 20 shots in the game.