Al-Hilal 1-3 Al-Nassr: Ronaldo brace helps Saudi side close gap to rivals

Ronaldo's side were looking to close the gap on their second-placed rivals to three points.

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Cristiano Ronaldo playing football

Cristiano Ronaldo starred as Al-Nassr secured an impressive 3-1 away win over Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

The Portuguese icon netted twice to inspire his side to a win at the King Fahd International Stadium that took his side three points back from their opponents.

Al-Nassr took the lead just before half-time through Ali Al-Hassan, who struck a sensational effort from distance into the top corner after a short corner routine involving Marcelo Brozovic.

The visitors doubled their lead just after the break as Ronaldo finished off a rapid counter-attack initiated by Sadio Mane.

Al-Hilal responded with Salem Al-Dawsari leading the charge. Their pressure paid off in the 62nd minute when Ali Al-Bulayhi rose highest to head home from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s delivery, halving the deficit and giving the hosts hope.

However, their momentum was cut short by a handball from Moteb Al-Harbi inside the box, confirmed via VAR. Ronaldo stepped up and coolly dispatched the resulting penalty in the 88th minute, restoring Al-Nassr’s two-goal cushion with his second of the night.

Despite late chances for Marcos Leonardo, who missed a pair of opportunities in stoppage time, Al-Hilal couldn’t find a way back.

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Mitch Fretton

Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.

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