The title race has effectively concluded after Al-Nassr suffered a 3-1 defeat at home against Al-Raed on Thursday, and the reasons are evident. The team's inability to keep a clean sheet in the league for nine games, conceding a total of 33 goals this season, is the highest among the top eight teams and three times more than Al-Hilal. The latter is now nine points clear at the top with a game in hand. The Yellows conceded seven goals at home in their last two league games against teams in the bottom four, indicating a lack of championship form. Despite numerous chances, Luis Castro’s men couldn't secure enough goals to address their defensive issues.
Karim El-Berkaoui nearly gave the visitors the lead in the 14th minute, forcing David Ospina to make a crucial save at the near post. However, El-Berkaoui found the back of the net just four minutes later due to poor defending, providing Al-Raed with a 1-0 lead. Ronaldo, from Al-Nassr, almost scored a spectacular volley six minutes later, with Yahya equalizing by converting the rebound for his first league goal of the season.
Despite promising attacks, the second half started disastrously for Al-Nassr as Mohammed Fouzair scored for Al-Raed. Al-Nassr continued to press for a comeback, but defensive lapses allowed Amir Sayoud to score for Al-Raed, securing a 3-1 victory. Ronaldo's late free-kick hitting the bar summed up a disappointing day for Al-Nassr and effectively ended their title race.
In other matches, Al-Shabab lost 3-2 at home to Al-Feiha, with Saud Zaydan securing a 98th-minute winner. Damac defeated Al-Wehda 1-0. Al-Hilal has the opportunity to extend their lead to 12 points on Friday if they defeat Al-Riyadh.
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