Cristiano Ronaldo taunted with chants of 'Messi!' as Al Nassr lose to arch-rivals Al Hilal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of lifting a first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr were dealt a huge blow on Tuesday night, when his side lost 2-0 against arch-rivals Al Hilal in Riyadh.

A penalty in either half from another former Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo sealed victory for the hosts at King Fahd International Stadium, while Ronaldo endured a miserable evening all round.

The Portuguese star, recruited in December as reportedly the most lucrative signing in football history, had a goal ruled out late on for a marginal offside, before seeing the award of a penalty overturned.

Ronaldo, who has 11 goals in 11 league appearances for Nassr, was taunted with chants of “Messi!” from Hilal fans as he left the pitch at full time.

The result means Nassr stay three points behind leaders Al Ittihad in second, but have now played a game more. Nassr, who are seeking a 10th top-flight crown and first in four years, have six league matches remaining.

Hugely damaging defeat in Saudi Pro League title race, then departs to chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” from Al Hilal fans. Cristiano Ronaldo’s miserable night complete. #alhilal_alnassr #AlHilal pic.twitter.com/Qks8kiVZZ4

The Riyadh side had come into Tuesday’s derby on the back of last week’s decision to part company with manager Rudi Garcia, who officially left the club “by mutual agreement”. Croatian Dinko Jelicic, the Under-19 coach, was in charge for the short trip to Hilal.

However, there would be no new-manager bounce for Nassr, who were largely second best throughout. Hilal, the reigning domestic champions, made their intentions clear from the off, going close on seven minutes when Moussa Marega’s low shot was saved by Nawaf Al Aqidi. From the resultant corner, Aqidi