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<\/p>\nThe former Celtic boss is the toast of the Middle East after his Al-Qadsiah side stunned a title favourite<\/p>\n
Beaming Brendan Rodgers<\/a> is basking in global acclaim after forcing Ronaldo into retreat and firing Al-Qadsiah towards the Saudi title mix.<\/p>\n The former Celtic<\/a> boss was all smiles before the game as he warmly embraced the global superstar ahead of his side’s dominant 2-1 win away to Al-Nassr.<\/p>\n And Rodgers revealed the Saudi giants’ creaking backline and their pressing, or lack thereof, led by a 41-year-old in the twilight of his career, were on his hitlist to mercilessly expose.<\/p>\n Al-Qadsiah are soaring under the Irishman’s watch, while Al Nassr are crumbling with no wins in their last three Saudi Pro League<\/a> games.<\/p>\n They are now four points adrift of Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal with Rodgers and Co on the charge and now only four points off second place.<\/p>\n Ronaldo<\/a> netted a consolation penalty, however, he was panned for his display as Al-Qadsiah dominated their rivals and squeezed them into error after error across the pitch.<\/p>\n And Rodgers, earning widespread praise across the Kingdom after the win, admits forcing the veteran striker and Joao Felix to stop their high-speed style was all part of the plan.<\/p>\n Speaking after the landmark win, Rodgers said: “My philosophy is based on attacking intensity, and I like my team to attack with balance. We could have scored more than two goals, and we were unlucky with the penalty.<\/p>\n “We analysed Al-Nassr’s weaknesses, particularly their defensive organisation and pressing. We tried to force them to play long balls, and when they find time to pass, they have talented players who can do so.<\/p>\n “A fantastic win for us, and we dedicate this victory to all our fans and everyone in Al-Khobar. We played for a great club, against Al-Nassr, with great fighting spirit and determination. This is a special night for everyone.<\/p>\n Ronaldo was target No.1 for vocal Al-Nassr fans who are now weighing up the prospect of not winning the title in all four of Ronaldo’s years in the Middle East.<\/p>\n Posting on X amid a fervent backlash, the Real Madrid and Man Utd hero said: “This fight isn\u2019t over. We keep working and we will rise together!”<\/p>\n If Al-Hilal win next week then that leaves Ronaldo and Co in a seven-point hole in the race for the title.<\/p>\n Follow Record Sport on Twitter<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.<\/p>\n You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers<\/a> and Celtic<\/a> pages, and sign up to our newsletters<\/a> to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We’re also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here<\/a> and our Celtic community here<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Brendan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-094337.png\")
Brendan Rodgers in Saudi Arabia(Image: Al-Qadsiah )<\/p>\n