The title race isn't over yet! Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr given big boost as Neymar-less Al-Hilal throw away two-goal lead to suffer first Saudi Pro League defeat in 18 months

Jorge Jesus' side perfect start to the campaign came to a stuttering halt as they threw away a two-goal lead to succumb to a 3-2 defeat to Al-Khaleej away from home. Marcos Leonardo and Aleksandar Mitrovic handed the visitors a comfortable lead but a second-half capitulation forced them to leave Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium empty-handed on Saturday evening.

Abdulla Al-Salem struck in quick succession after the half-time break to erase the deficit and bring Al-Khaleej on level terms with the league leaders. However, it was Fabio Martins who dealt the hammer blow after finding the net late in the 85th minute, which sealed the three points for the hosts.

Despite the shock defeat to sixth-placed Al-Khaleej, Al-Hilal still find themselves six points ahead of Ronaldo & Co. However, Al-Nassr could have seen the deficit reduced to half if they had beaten Al-Qadsiyah on home turf on Friday evening, instead, they suffered a 2-1 loss despite their Portuguese talisman finding the net. Karim Benzema's Al-Ittihad could make the most of the slip-up by Al-Hilal and displace them from the top spot if they beat Al-Fateh on Sunday.

Both Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have AFC Champions League commitments against Al-Sadd and Al-Gharafa respectively to focus on next. After the continental challenges, they will shift their attention back to the domestic league with Al-Hilal travelling to Al-Shabab and Al-Nassr hosting Damac.