DUBAI: Al-Nassr beat Al-Kholood 3-0 on Friday to cut Al-Hilal’s lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to just three points.

The Yellows moved into second place on 43 points from 18 matches, ahead on goal difference of Al-Ahli, who beat Al-Ettifaq 4-0 on Wednesday. League leaders Al-Hilal could only manage a 2-2 draw at Al-Qadsiah on Thursday.

After a goalless first half, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the visitors two minutes after the break, following an intricate passage of play that concluded with fellow Portuguese forward Joao Felix setting him up from close range.

Al-Nassr’s second came courtesy of another Felix assist, when his corner was headed home firmly by Mohammed Simakan in the 53rd minute.

Felix himself came close to scoring what would have been one of the goals of the season, but his improvised “rabona” attempt was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani.

The home side were reduced to 10 men when Hatan Bahbri was sent off after 72 minutes, before Kingsley Coman wrapped up the scoring a few minutes from the end from the penalty spot.

In Friday night’s other match, home side Neom beat Damac 3-0 to move into ninth place, while the visitors languish in 16th.

Earlier, Al-Taawoun held onto fifth spot in the table with a 1-0 home win over Al-Okhdood, while the visitors remain in trouble in 17th place, second-bottom of the SPL standings.