Cristiano Ronaldo tasted defeat for the first time in his Al-Nassr career on Thursday night as Al-Ittihad dealt the former Manchester United man a title blow.
In a meeting of the leading two sides in the Saudi Pro League, it was Al-Ittihad, managed by former Tottenham and Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who earned the victory to leapfrog Ronaldo's side at the top of the table. Romarinho scored the winner seven minutes from time to move Al-Ittihad a point clear at the summit.
Ronaldo had a chance to level during the seven minutes of stoppage time but his angled drive was well saved by Marcelo Grohe who pushed his effort over. The Portugal legend cut a frustrated figure as he left the field of play at full-time.
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It was Al-Nassr's first defeat since the second game of the season in September and ended a 17-game unbeaten run. Rudi Garcia's side will hope to bounce back on Tuesday when they face Abha in the King Cup of Champions quarter-final before hosting the same opponents in the league next weekend.
Ronaldo has scored eight goals in eight games since he arrived in January. The 38-year-old left United earlier in the campaign, bringing an end to his second spell at the club.
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