The Portuguese striker scored twice in the second half to inspire a crucial comeback win for his team on Saturday night.
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Ronaldo brace keeps Al-Nassr's title hopes aliveAl-Nassr beat Al-Riyadh 2-1CR7 has now scored seven goals in last five matchesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
Al-Nassr beat Al-Riyadh 2-1 at home thanks to a stunning brace from Cristiano Ronaldo. Stefano Pioli's side started the game in the ascendancy and looked the more dominant side in the first half as they created more goalscoring opportunities and dominated ball possession. However, despite their superiority on the pitch, it was Al-Riyadh who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time against the run of play. Full-back Abdullah al-Khaibari made a solo run down the middle before launching a shot, which was initially stopped by Bento, but Faiz Selemani pounced on the rebound ball and pushed it into the back of the net.
Al-Nassr were quick to respond in the second half as Ronaldo scored the equaliser in the 55th minute from Sadio Mane's assist. The ex-Liverpool star played an inch-perfect pass across goal for Ronaldo, who then had the simple task of tapping into an empty net. That goal wasn't one to write home about, but the Portuguese legend doubled his team's tally in the 64th minute with a world-class strike.
Mane was once again the architect behind the goal as he entered the penalty box from the left side and delivered a low cross into the box. The ball was initially cleared by an Al-Riyadh defender, but it only fell as far as Ronaldo. From the edge of the box, the 40-year-old conjured up an outrageous first-time volley that rocketed into the top corner.
Things worsened for Al-Riyadh in stoppage time when centre-back Ahmed Asiri was shown a red card for slapping Duran on the head, after a VAR check. Former Villa star Duran had a forgetful outing aside from that, but Ronaldo's brilliance once again ensured that Al-Nassr walked away with a crucial three points.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE MVP
Ronaldo was undoubtedly the star of the night as he inspired a terrific comeback win for Al-Nassr after they went in 1-0 down at half-time. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star scored a quick-fire brace to seal the victory for his team, which keeps their faint Saudi Pro League title hopes alive. It also continued Ronaldo's scintillating run of form, taking his tally to seven goals in his last five games across all competitions.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
Former Aston Villa star Duran, who arrived at Al-Nassr for a record €77 million (£64.5m/$80m) fee in the January transfer window, could not measure up to Ronaldo as he missed a host of clear goal-scoring opportunities throughout the game. His lack of composure could have proved costly for the team had it not been for Ronaldo's second-half masterclass.
Getty ImagesWHAT COMES NEXT?
Pioli's men will be back in action in the Saudi Pro League next Friday as they take on Al-Qadisiyah in an away fixture.