“Main reason Al-Nassr are 2nd” - Fans highlight problem with Cristiano Ronaldo’s team despite 4-2 win over Al-Ittihad

Al-Nassr fans believe Cristiano Ronaldo's team's leaky defense has cost them the league title in the 2023-24 season, despite their 4-2 win against Al-Ittihad. The Knights of Najd earned a home win in the Saudi Pro League on Monday, May 27.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace (45+3', 69') on Monday night and finished the season with 35 goals, the highest ever in a single Saudi Pro League campaign. Abdulrahman Ghareeb scored a penalty in the 79th minute to make it 3-0.

Luis Castro's side, however, conceded two late goals despite having a man advantage. Farhah Al Shamrani scored in the 88th minute before Fabinho netted another in injury time (90+2'). Meshari Al-Nemer struck again (90+5') to make it 4-2 for Al-Nassr.

However, the defensive frailty was on display once again and Al-Nassr were in danger of squandering what seemed like a straightforward win. Fans pointed that out, with one writing:

"Main reason Al-Nassr are 2nd, they cannot defend."

Another fan wrote:

"Crazy last 15 minutes to the game."

One fan commented:

"Al Nassr needs a world class defender."

Another opined:

"This defense couldn't even keep clean sheet against 10 men."

One fan wrote:

"The problem with our local players is that they run for the ball like crazy and forget about positioning. They must improve that."

One fan made a prayer for the cup final against Al-Hilal, writing:

"Let's hope Al-Haram attack will have a bad day on Friday."

Numbers prove Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have struggled in defense

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr played their final game of the Saudi Pro League season on Monday night. They secured 82 points, 14 less than champions Al-Hilal.

Although Al-Nassr (100) scored only one goal fewer than Al-Hilal (101), the difference between the sides was their defending. While the champions conceded just 23 goals in the campaign, the Knights of Najd conceded 42 goals, averaging more than one goal per game.

Cristiano Ronaldo's presence has helped the team thrive in the attack. That said, they remain defensively vulnerable. Adding another world-class defender to partner Aymeric Laporte could be fruitful next season.