Al-Ittihad has mocked Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr following their 2-1 victory at home in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.
The defeat ended Ange Postecoglou’s team’s flawless start to the league season.
All three goals were scored before half-time, with George Ilenikhena giving the home team a two-goal lead within the first 22 minutes, before Angelo Gabriel managed to reduce the deficit for the defending champions.
Towards the end of the match, the Al-Ittihad coaching staff sent a note with tactical guidance for defender Danilo Pereira.
Ronaldo was seen on camera attempting to sneak a peek at the note, which led to both players sharing a laugh.
In a playful critique of the 41-year-old’s antics, Al-Ittihad shared a photo of Ronaldo and Danilo on the field and tweeted:
“Cheating and still losing!”
Despite Ronaldo and his teammates controlling possession and registering nine shots on target—six more than their rivals—they were unable to capitalise on these opportunities, resulting in their first defeat of the season.
This loss places Postecoglou’s team three points behind league leaders Al-Hilal (15), who have won all five of their initial matches.
The Knights of Najd (12) currently hold second place in the Pro League standings, ahead of third-placed Al-Qadsiyah based on goal difference.