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.
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.
Full-time!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Ul3o6gJSfE
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 4, 2025
Despite late chances for Marcos Leonardo, who missed a pair of opportunities in stoppage time, Al-Hilal couldn’t find a way back.