(Football news) Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a disappointing loss as he kicked water bottles in anger when he walked off the pitch following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of title rivals Al Ittihad on Thursday. The result meant that Al Ittihad leapfrogged Al Nassr into first place in the Saudi Pro League after 20 games. Ronaldo, who recently celebrated his 38th birthday, played the entire game but had just one shot on target. Later on video footage showed that the Portugal captain kicked water bottles on the touchline.

This was Al Nassr’s only second league defeat of the season but it was Ronaldo’s first loss in the league since joining the club as a free agent in December after his contract with Manchester United was terminated. Ronaldo did not score against Al Ittihad in the 3-1 defeat in the Saudi Super Cup semifinals on Jan. 26 but since then Ronaldo has gone on to score eight goals in seven league games this season. Last match he took off his captain’s armband and threw it on the ground before regaining his composure.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward was named the Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Month for February for his two hat tricks he scored for Al Nassr. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored eight goals, including four against Al-Wehda on Feb. 9 but against Al-Ittihad he was taunted by the fans throughout the match who repeatedly chanted the name of Lionel Messi.

The defeat meant that their fiercest rival Al-Ittihad are the new leaders of the Saudi Pro League. Al Ittihad goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe parried away a shot from Cristiano Ronaldo in injury time. For the new Saudi leader, Brazilian forward Romarinho scored after a swift counterattack 10 minutes from time to seal a memorable victory for Al-Ittihad.

Ronaldo wrote on Instagram after the match: “Disappointed with the result, but we stay focused on our season and the games ahead. Thank you Al Nassr fans for your support, we know we can count on you!”

Also read: In-form Liverpool take on Bournemouth away from home