RIYADH – Cristiano Ronaldo continued his remarkable goal-scoring form, netting a brace as Al Nassr defeated Al Hazem 4-0 on Thursday, and moved to the top of the Saudi Pro League table. The victory marked Al Nassr’s eighth consecutive league win, edging them one point ahead of rivals Al Hilal, who were held to a 1-1 draw against Al Ittihad.
The match saw the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar open the scoring in the 13th minute. A well-placed pass from Kingsley Coman found Ronaldo in a congested penalty area. He controlled the ball with his right foot and then deftly chipped a left-footed shot into the far corner. The goal initially drew scrutiny from the video assistant referee (VAR) due to a potential offside call, but the goal stood, marking Ronaldo’s 500th goal since turning 30 – a testament to his enduring longevity, and prolificacy.
Coman doubled Al Nassr’s advantage in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a swift passing sequence orchestrated by João Felix. Ronaldo nearly added another before halftime, but a second VAR review ruled that goal offside, denying him an immediate second of the match.
The second half saw continued dominance from Al Nassr. Despite being denied by another offside flag earlier in the half, the team continued to press. Brazilian winger Angelo extended the lead to 3-0 in the 77th minute, showcasing individual brilliance with a driving run from within his own half.
Ronaldo finally secured his second goal of the evening in the 80th minute. He latched onto a short pass from Coman on the left side of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful, angled drive. A further VAR check for offside was conducted, but the goal was ultimately confirmed, solidifying Al Nassr’s commanding lead.
The win comes after a period of reported unrest for Ronaldo, who had missed two previous league matches and an AFC Cup game earlier in the month. Reports indicated a protest regarding the club’s activity – or lack thereof – during the January transfer window. His return to the starting lineup and immediate impact on the scoresheet underscore his importance to Al Nassr’s ambitions.
Al Hilal’s concurrent 1-1 draw against a 10-man Al Ittihad created the opportunity for Al Nassr to leapfrog them in the standings. The result highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted a growing number of international stars in recent seasons.
The match also showcased the growing synergy within the Al Nassr squad. The interplay between Ronaldo, Coman, and Felix proved particularly effective, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Coman’s assist on Ronaldo’s first goal and his own subsequent strike demonstrated the burgeoning partnership between the two attackers. Felix’s contribution to Coman’s goal further emphasized the team’s attacking fluidity.
Al Nassr’s dominant performance against Al Hazem serves as a clear statement of intent as they navigate the remainder of the Saudi Pro League season. With Ronaldo leading the charge, and a supporting cast demonstrating increasing cohesion, Al Nassr appears well-positioned to challenge for the league title. The team’s ability to overcome recent internal challenges and maintain a winning streak speaks to their resilience and determination.
The victory also raises questions about Al Hilal’s recent form. Their inability to secure a win against a depleted Al Ittihad side will undoubtedly prompt scrutiny of their tactical approach and squad depth. The Saudi Pro League title race is shaping up to be a compelling battle between these two powerhouses, with every point carrying significant weight.
