Cristiano Ronaldo failed to win the Saudi Pro League title in his first season with Al Nassr after a victory by Al Ittihad in the penultimate week of the season saw them clinch the championship.
With Al Ittihad carrying a three-point lead and the tiebreaker advantage at the top going into the 29th round of the season, Al Nassr knew they needed a win to have a realistic chance of taking the title battle to the final day.
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However, Al Nassr could only manage a 1-1 draw away at Al Ittifaq despite dominating the game in the eastern city of Dammam.
They fell behind just before the break as Youssef Niakate scored for Al Ittifaq from close range. A fierce shot from ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo levelled for Al Nassr after 56 minutes.
Ronaldo, who moved to Saudi Arabia following a tumultuous midseason exit from Manchester United, has scored 14 goals in 16 league games since making his debut in January, but could not get a winner this time. Luiz Gustavo had a second-half strike ruled out for offside with 10 minutes remaining.
Al Ittihad won easily thanks to two goals from Brazilian forward Romarinho as well as a third-minute strike from Ahmed Sharahili. The team, which is led by former Wolverhampton and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, secured their ninth league title overall.
“I want to thank the players and the fans for their support this season and everyone has worked very hard from the beginning,” Santo said. “The early goal was very important and after we scored then we settled down.”
Al Ittihad have an unassailable five-point advantage over Al Nassr going into the final day of the season on Wednesday.
Defending champion Al Hilal moved into third place with a 3-0 win at Abha.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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Al Ittifaq vs. Al Nassr – Football Match Report – May 27, 2023
