Cristiano Ronaldo is now 0-3 in finals with Al-Nassr (Images via X/@brfootball & totalcristiano)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hunt for a major trophy with Al-Nassr continues after his side fell short in the Saudi Super Cup final, losing to Al-Ahli on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time. The Portuguese star is now winless in three domestic finals since moving to Saudi Arabia. Despite his milestone goal on the night, the team once again finished on the losing side. Al-Nassr started brightly, pressing hard in search of an early breakthrough. Ronaldo himself went close with an overhead attempt, while Wesley and Felix also tested goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Their persistence paid off late in the first half when Ronaldo converted from the spot after Ali Majrashi was penalised for handball. But parity was quickly restored as Franck Kessie struck a precise effort from the edge of the box. The contest swung again in the second half when Marcelo Brozovic punished a mistake from Kessie to fire Al-Nassr 2-1 ahead with just minutes remaining. However, Roger Ibanez’s late header ensured the match went to penalties. In the shootout, Ronaldo converted his kick with laser-like precision, but was let down by the missed attempts of his co-stars. Mendy proved decisive, saving Abdullah Al-Khaibari’s effort to seal victory for Al-Ahli. It left Ronaldo and his teammates reflecting on another missed opportunity. The 40-year-old forward did reach a personal landmark, scoring his 100th goal for Al-Nassr. In doing so, he became the first player in history to net 100 or more goals for five different teams – Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr and Portugal.

For Ronaldo, the milestone offered little comfort. The player was seen distraught after the defeat and in low spirits after yet another final slipped from his grasp. His search for a first domestic title with Al-Nassr remains unfinished, and the wait for silverware in Saudi Arabia goes on.