Al Nassr continued their rocky start to the season, earning a late 1-1 draw at home to Saudi Pro League heavyweight club Al Ahli.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s side have taken five points from their opening three games and would be four points behind Al Hilal if the reigning champions win in Al Riyadh on Saturday.

Franck Kessie’s second-half strike seemed to give the visitors the points and his teammates were furious when Sultan Al Ghannam’s speculative cross deflected in the ninth minute of added time.

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Al Ahli has demonstrated its own ambitions for the highest title with the signing of English striker Ivan Toney.

The former Brentford hero led the visitors’ attacking line reasonably well but had little to show for his efforts in a first half dominated by the back lines, despite the likes of Toney, Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez being on the field.

Ronaldo remained largely on the sidelines in this delicate affair and never looked able to add to his 901 career goals celebrated before kick-off. Former AC Milan midfielder Kessie livened up the contest with a wonderful shot from the edge of the box.

Who else? 🫡🤩 pic.twitter.com/J6wXzgVQcl

— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) 13 September 2024

Al Nassr’s best chances were thwarted from close range by Anderson Talisca before Al Ahli’s defensive strength waned in the closing stages.

Mane failed to spot Ronaldo on a promising counterattack before the five-time Ballon d’Or winner tried in vain to convert a deflected cross into the net.

There was still time for another Talisca horror show in front of the enthusiastic Al Ahli fans who had travelled with the team, and so right-back Al Ghannam was able to spare his more famous teammates the blushing.