Cristiano Ronaldo missed a stoppage-time penalty as Al-Nassr were eliminated from the King's Cup in a 1-0 loss to Al-Taawoun. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is yet to win a major trophy since joining the club almost two years ago.
Playing in the Round of 16 stage of Saudi Arabia's premier knockout competition, Al-Taawoun took the lead courtesy Waleed Al-Ahmad's header with 20 minutes remaining. Al-Ahmad was then adjudged to have fouled in the area in the 95th minute.
Ronaldo, who had converted all 18 of his previous penalties for Al-Nassr, was primed to step up and score. Instead, he shot over the bar to the shock of the home crowd of 14,519.
One of the fans in attendance, was trying to capture the moment on his phone. As Ronaldo blazed the ball well over the bar, it struck the fan's mobile and sent it flying.
The defeat is the first for manager Stefano Pioli since the Italian succeeded Luis Castro as head coach in September.
Ronaldo and Al-Nassr still have two chances of clinching silverware this season but are already six points behind table toppers Al-Hilal after eight games of the Saudi Pro League and have seven points from three games in the group stage of the Asian Champions League.
"Technically we performed well but we couldn't win the game," Pioli said. "We feel disappointed to be out of the cup. But we still have two trophies to go for and we will give our best in them."
