Cristiano Ronaldo scored to finish the Saudi Pro League season as the top scorer, but saw his potential Al-Nassr swansong end in a 3-2 defeat to Al Fateh.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr expires next month and there is speculation surrounding a move to a team in the Club World Cup, with Wydad Casablanca mooted as a possible destination.
He was hoping to sign off the season in style and help Al-Nassr qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite. Having won an appeal against Al-Orobah for fielding an ineligible player in a game in March, Al-Nassr had three more points added to their total, giving them an outside chance of overhauling Al-Hilal in second.
But those hopes were put to bed as Al-Hilal won their finale 2-0 against Al-Qadsiah and Al-Nassr fell victim to a late comeback from Al Fateh.
Ronaldo put Al-Nassr ahead in the 42nd minute when he nodded in his 25th goal of the season from point-blank range after a corner was flicked into his path.
But Al Fateh responded in first-half stoppage time, Matias Vargas prodding home from Amine Sbai’s superb low left-wing cross.
It looked as if Al-Nassr had done enough to claim the points after Sadio Mane restored their lead. The former Liverpool forward tapped in 15 minutes from the end of normal time after good work from Ronaldo and an excellent right-wing delivery from Nawaf Boushal.
However, Al Fateh’s response was excellent once more, and they levelled in superb fashion when Mourad Batra curled a marvellous free-kick into the top-right corner.
And Al Fateh completed the turnaround in the sixth minute of injury time, substitute Matheus Machado squeezing an effort on the rebound beyond Brazilian compatriot Bento after seeing his initial strike hit the post.
The result condemns Al-Nassr to AFC Champions League 2 football next season, a far cry from the title ambitions they had at the start of the campaign.
