Cristiano Ronaldo’s nightmare scenario continues: Al-Nassr suffers a major setback after losing five crucial players in the Saudi Pro League match against Al-Shabab

A season that once seemed destined for dominance has suddenly become much more complicated. Christiano Ronaldo has carried expectations and pressure on his shoulders throughout the Saudi Pro League campaign, but even superstars depend on the stability around them. If Al-Nassr is preparing for a crucial league match against Al Shababthe task has been made considerably more difficult. A damaging defeat, waning momentum and mounting internal problems have combined to create a moment of real concern – one that could determine the direction of the title race.

Al-Nassr’s title ambitions suffered another major setback with a 3-1 defeat against Al-Hilala result which extended their winless run to four games in all competitions. The contrast with their early season form couldn’t be sharper. The campaign started with 10 consecutive wins in the leaguea historic run that briefly placed them in uncharted territory.

Hope returned briefly against the leader when Ronaldo struck three minutes before half-time. However, the second half went quickly. Penalties converted by Salem Al-Dawsari and Ruben Neves, along with a strike from Mohamed Kanno, condemned Al-Nassr to another painful night.

The Knight of Najd now sits seven points behind the leadersa gap that is further widened by the fact that the pacesetters have won in the competition 19 consecutive gamesincluded 11 wins in a row in the league. Discipline has also emerged as a worrying trend. Red cards in two of the last three games have undermined structure and belief, leading to frustration among the coaching staff.

Rival looking for escape

While Al-Nassr struggles with expectations, Al-Shabab approaches the match under a very different kind of pressure. They hovered just above the relegation zone and recently secured a crucial win 3-2 win over Neomtheir first league victory since September.

That breakthrough was inspired by Yannick Carrasco, whose twin goals boosted morale and faith. Yet consistency remains elusive, especially outside the home, where results are scarce and trust fragile. Ironically, discipline has plagued both sides. Al-Shabab has collected several red cards in recent weeks, leaving them short at critical moments.

The hidden problem was finally revealed

As the build-up increases, the scale of Al-Nassr’s challenge becomes clear. The mystery surrounding their preparation now has a name: five key players will be missing. Here are the absences that have thrown their plans into disarray:

• Marcelo Brozovic – suspended after collecting yellow cards
• Nawaf Alaqidi – suspended after his red card
• Sadio Mane – away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations
• Mohammed Simakan – sidelined due to a muscle injury
• Sami Al-Najei – ongoing recovery from a long-term knee problem

This is a familiar scenario for Ronaldo: leading from the front in an unstable situation. History suggests he thrives in adversity, but football is rarely won alone. Al-Nassr’s dominant home record offers encouragement, but the margin for error has all but disappeared.