Al Nassr lost yesterday in a match where they were completely dominated by Al Qadsiah, at a decisive stage of the season where the Saudi Pro League title is effectively being defined. But from what was seen after the match, there was a clear overreaction to the defeat, heavily influenced by the club’s recent scars.
Since Cristiano’s arrival, Al Nassr have consistently come close, but never quite managed to finish the job. They have won a cup, which many value, myself included, but it is not considered official.
What does not make sense is completely ignoring the recent context: Al Nassr were on a run of 20 consecutive wins, most of them with clear dominance. And it feels like that has been erased by a single negative result, which is understandable to a point, especially given that every match at this stage feels like a final.
Right now, Al Nassr are top of the table, with a five-point lead over Al Hilal, although with one more match played and still with a direct encounter to come. Is it the perfect scenario? No. But not long ago, they were several points behind the leader. There has been clear, consistent dominance, and that does not simply disappear because of one defeat, no matter how heavy it was.
The team has quality, has capability, and still depends only on itself to win the title. Even so, a wave of negativity has started, largely driven by social media, with that narrative of “maybe it is not meant to be”. That completely ignores everything that has been done up to this point.
There is also an emotional aspect that cannot be ignored: there is a clear desire to see Ronaldo win an official title with Al Nassr. If they only win the ACL 2, of course it will be celebrated, as it is an official trophy, but it would still feel incomplete. Everyone knows Al Nassr’s level should be in the main Asian competition, not the “Europa League” of Asia. Naturally, more is expected.
Conclusion
Al Nassr still depend only on themselves. The negativity that has emerged does not necessarily reflect the team’s reality, but if it seeps into the dressing room, then it can become a real problem.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s mentality alone is not enough: everyone has to believe, stay focused, and fight until the end.