Nassr’s title hopes dented by Qadsiah

Al-Nassr lost 2-1 to Al-Qadsiah on Friday in what was a huge blow to their chances of winning the Saudi Pro League title. The defeat means that while the Yellows stay in third and eight points behind the leaders Al-Ittihad, there are now just six games to go. Time and matches are running out.

It was a hard-fought clash between two teams who may have to settle for a top three finish and a place in next year’s Asian Champions League. Both had chances, and both teams will feel that they could have taken all three points.In the end, however, there was just one winner.

Ten minutes before the break and Al-Qadsiah were ahead to draw first blood. Pierre-Emerick Abuameyang broke free down the right and while the Gabonese goalgetter’s shot was blocked, Turki Al-Ammar was on hand to open the scoring from close range.

It was a close run thing for much of the match, with Cristiano Ronaldo working hard to inspire Al-Nassr. Six minutes from time, however, Al-Nassr were level thanks to Sadio Mane. The Senegalese forward timed his run perfectly and then controlled a long pass from Otavio to and then fired home past the goalkeeper in one quick motion.

It seemed that Al-Nassr had earned a point at least but, then, with three minutes remaining, the hosts retook the lead and took the points. Nahitan Nandez hooked the ball into the six yard box and there was Aubameyang to head home to give the newly-promoted team a vital win.

Earlier in the day, Al-Ahli thrashed Al-Fayha 5-0. Brazilian defender Ibanez scored twice before England striker Ivan Toney also bagged a brace. Riyad Mahrez completed the five-star performance from the Jeddah giants.

"It was important to get the win but there is a long way to go until the end of this season,"