Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a standout performance for Al-Nassr, netting a hat-trick in a 5-3 victory against Al-Kholood during the latest round of the Roshn Saudi League. The match, hosted at Al-Awwal Park as part of the club’s Nassr Day celebrations, kept the home side within striking distance of the league summit. Who were winless in four, the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side came into the game with a four-game winning streak in all competitions as they took on Des Buckingham’s Al-Kholood side. Al-Kholood defied expectations and started the game really well.
The visitors initially challenged expectations.
Julien Domingues struck first for Al-Kholood in the 16th minute, skillfully chipping the ball over defender Mohamed Simakan before finding the net past goalkeeper Bento Krepski. Al-Nassr responded through Ângelo Gabriel, who scored via a backheel assist from João Félix. Sadio Mané subsequently put the hosts ahead, marking his first league goal since August. However, Antoine Loïc Essomba equalized for Al-Kholood to level the score at 2-2 by halftime, a period during which Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside. Who scored his first goal in the SPL since August to make it 2-1, the Knights of Najd turned things around and scored their second through Sadio Mané. Fans have taken to X to hail the Portugal icon for his showing.
Ronaldo took charge in the second half, completing his hat-trick in just 15 minutes. He tapped in the first, then rose high to head home a precise cross from Félix. A final goal followed courtesy of an assist from Mané. Domingues managed a third for Al-Kholood later in the half, converting a penalty after Saad Al-Nasser was whistled for a foul in the box, but it was not enough to stop the Al-Nassr surge.
Following the match, supporters flocked to X to praise the 41-year-old, with many referencing his enduring prowess by joking that he would remain the greatest goalscorer even at the age of 700. The victory moves Al-Nassr to 28 points from 11 matches, sitting in second place in the Saudi Pro League, tied on points with current leaders Al-Qadsiah.
The club now turns its attention to continental competition. Al-Nassr is scheduled to face Uzbek club Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League on November 2. Following that fixture, the team heads into a pair of away matches against Al-Hazem and title rivals Al-Qadsiah.
