Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr defeated Al-Hilal away from home in the Saudi Pro League, to earn first league win since 2023.
Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic’s goals helped Al-Nassr claim all three points, with the 3-1 win, moving them to third position.
The visitors started as the better side, although could not find the back of the net until first-half stoppage time. Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran saw their efforts blocked, with Aiman Yahya having his attempt saved by Yassine Bounou.
Stefano Pioli’s side eventually broke the deadlock in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, in stunning fashion as Ali Al Hassan found the top corner with a curling strike from the edge of the box.
Al-Nassr doubled the lead with just two minutes after the break through Ronaldo. The Portuguese sent a left-footed effort from inside the box past Bounou after being found by Mane’s cutback.
However, Al-Hilal responded just after the hour when a corner-kick was flicked to the back post by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with Ali Al Bulayhi on hand to head the ball into the net.
The hosts pushed for a leveller, with Marcos Leonardo going close, but could not find the back of the net.
All hopes vanished for the home side as Al-Nassr pegged them with the third goal, two minutes away from regular time.
Al-Hilal full-back, Moteb Al Harbi, handled the ball inside the box, giving Ronaldo the opportunity to seal the victory.
The 40-year-old made no mistake from 12 yards, firing the ball down the middle, moving Al-Nassr into third position.
The visitors are on 64 points, three behind Al-Hilal, and seven behind Al-Ittihad, who faces Al-Ahli on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead the Saudi Pro League’s goalscorer chart with 21 goals. He has now reached the 20-goal mark for the 15th time in his illustrious career.
The Al-Nassr captain has also scored his first league goals against Al-Hilal after the fifth attempt, while also taking his tally to 70 goals in the division.
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