Is Cristiano Ronaldo top of the Saudi Pro League? Al Nassr lose ground after scrambling to draw with Al Ahli

Al Nassr’s stumbling start to the season continued as they stole a late 1-1 draw at home to fellow Saudi Pro League heavyweight Al Ahli.

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

Franck Kessie’s second-half strike appeared to have given the visitors the points and his team-mates were furious when Sultan Al Ghannam’s speculative cross was deflected home in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

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Al Ahli have served notice of their own ambitions for the top honours after bringing in England striker Ivan Toney.

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

Ronaldo largely existed on the margins of a cagey affair, never look like adding to his haul of 901 career goals that was celebrated before kickoff.  Former AC Milan midfielder Kessie brought the contest to life with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box.

Al Nassr’s best chances were spurned from close range by Anderson Talisca before Al Ahli’s defensive poise appeared to desert them during the closing stage.

Mane could not pick out Ronaldo on a promising breakaway before the five-time Ballon d’Or winner strained in vain to turn home a deflected cross.

There was still time for another Talisca horror show in front of the buoyant Al Ahli travelling support, leaving right-back Al Ghannam to spare the blushes of his more celebrated team-mates.