As the Saudi Pro League season nears its climax, Matchday 28 delivered decisive twists—particularly for Al-Nassr—while two early Matchday 29 fixtures added even more intrigue to the title and top-four race.
Al-Nassr Stunned by Al-Qadisiyah
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr suffered a potentially season-defining blow, falling 1-2 to Al-Qadisiyah in Matchday 28. The shock defeat could cost Al-Nassr a coveted third-place finish and a ticket to next season’s AFC Champions League Elite. The performance was flat, and Ronaldo’s frustrations symbolised a club under pressure with just two games left to turn it around.
Al-Hilal Cruise, Then Held in Derby
League leaders Al-Hilal kept their unbeaten streak alive with a commanding 3-0 win over Al-Khaleej on Matchday 28. However, just days later in early Matchday 29 action, they dropped points in a tense 2-2 draw against city rivals Al-Shabab in the Riyadh derby. The result gives hope to chasing Al-Ittihad but keeps Al-Hilal on track for the title with just one match left.
Al-Ahli Run Riot
Al-Ahli Jeddah put on a five-star performance with a 5-0 thrashing of Al-Fayha, as Firmino, Mahrez, and co. dazzled in attack. The victory strengthened their position in the top four and keeps them in contention for continental football next season.
Al-Ittihad Bounce Back
After a 2-0 Matchday 28 defeat to Al-Fateh, Al-Ittihad responded swiftly, defeating Al-Ettifaq 3-2 in a thrilling Matchday 29 contest. The win—crucial in their late-season push—puts them top of the table, edging ahead of Al-Hilal on points with one more game played.
Al-Ittihad is getting closer and closer for the championship title. (Photo courtesy: Al-Ittihad Jeddah’s official X account)
Current Top 6 After Partial Matchday 29:
1 Al-Ittihad 29 21 5 3 66:30 (+36) 68
2 Al-Hilal 29 19 5 5 79:34 (+45) 62
3 Al-Nassr 28 17 6 5 59:31 (+28) 57
4 Al-Ahli 28 17 4 7 57:27 (+30) 55
5 Al-Qadsiah 28 17 4 7 41:25 (+16) 55
6 Al-Shabab 29 15 6 8 54:33 (+21) 51
With just a couple of games left, the battle for the title and top three remains fierce, while Al-Nassr’s stumble has opened the door for Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah to snatch an AFC Champions League Elite berth.
Al-Nassr’s shock loss dents ACL hopes as Al-Ittihad go top, Al-Hilal held in derby, and Al-Ahli thrash Al-Fayha in Saudi Pro League drama.