In a thrilling Saudi Pro League clash on January 2, 2026, Al-Ahli delivered a stunning 3-2 upset over league leaders Al-Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, handing Cristiano Ronaldo’s side their first defeat of the season. The dramatic victory not only ended Al-Nassr’s perfect start but sparked post-match fireworks, with Al-Ahli defender Merih Demiral—Ronaldo’s former Juventus teammate—delivering a cheeky social media dig that went viral.

The match exploded early as Ivan Toney struck twice in the opening 20 minutes, putting Al-Ahli 2-0 up. Al-Nassr fought back fiercely before halftime, with defender Abdulelah Al-Amri netting a brace to level the score at 2-2. The turning point came in the 55th minute when Demiral rose highest to head home the winner from a set-piece, restoring Al-Ahli’s lead. Late drama ensued with two red cards in stoppage time—one for each side—but Al-Ahli held firm, securing a vital three points.

Ronaldo, playing the full 90 minutes, endured a frustrating night. The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar missed a glaring chance in the second half, losing control in the box and allowing the ball to trickle wide, drawing mockery from jubilant home fans who mimicked his signature “Siu” celebration in taunt. Despite his efforts, Al-Nassr couldn’t find an equalizer, leaving them atop the table with 31 points but now just two ahead of rivals Al-Hilal, who have a game in hand.

Post-match, Demiral amplified the triumph with a pointed social media post. The Turkish international shared an AI-generated image of himself reading a newspaper. The original headline—”Al-Nassr never lost a match this season”—was crossed out in red, replaced with: “Al-Nassr never played against Al-Ahli this season.” The seven-word jab, widely seen as a direct troll at Ronaldo and his team’s previously unbeaten run, spread rapidly online, reigniting banter in the star-studded league.

Al-Ahli climbed to fourth with 25 points, closing the gap on the leaders. Toney’s brace highlighted his impact, while Demiral’s goal and celebration underscored the team’s resilience. For Al-Nassr, the loss serves as a wake-up call in their quest for a first league title under Ronaldo. Tempers flared briefly after the whistle, involving Ronaldo and João Félix with an Al-Ahli official, but apologies followed swiftly.

This high-stakes encounter showcased the Saudi Pro League’s growing competitiveness, with star power on both sides delivering edge-of-seat entertainment. As the title race heats up, Demiral’s cheeky reminder has added fuel to the rivalry, proving that in Saudi football, victories come with memorable mic drops.