RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to help Al-Nassr to a 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Al-Okhdood at Al-Awwal Park to seal the club’s 10th consecutive Saudi Pro League win.
The brace took Ronaldo’s career tally to 956 goals as Jorge Jesus’ side recorded the best start to an SPL season in history.
Ronaldo, who was chasing his first hat-trick of the calendar year, looked to have extended that particular run to 16 consecutive years after netting in the 65th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
But Al-Nassr nevertheless continued their outstanding start under former Al-Hilal coach Jesus, who has transformed the team this season.
The title-hungry side, who are seeking their first league crown since the 2018/19 season, moved four points clear of rivals Al-Hilal following the victory, just a few weeks ahead of the sides’ highly anticipated clash at Kingdom Arena on Jan. 12.
With Joao Felix drifting across the front to link up with wingers Wesley and Kingsley Coman, and Marcelo Brozovic controlling the midfield, Al-Nassr’s attacking rhythm was built around crosses to the far post and combinations in the half spaces.
Al-Okhdood did threaten on occasion, as Khaled Narey tested the Al-Nassr backline with runs in behind, but goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi ensured the hosts maintained a clean sheet.
Despite their early dominance, Al-Nassr had to wait until the 31st minute to find the breakthrough. A Joao Felix corner was met by defender Abdulelah Al-Amri, who headed the ball across goal for Ronaldo to apply the finishing touch.
Ronaldo struck again in the closing moments of the first half, after Brozovic and Angelo combined neatly on the left. The Croatian delivered yet another cross toward Ronaldo, who converted with an exquisite backheel.
The Al-Nassr attack maintained the pressure in the second half with Joao Felix finding Coman on the left, only for his effort to clip the crossbar.
The league leaders created a succession of chances but were unable to find a third until Joao Felix was found in the box to slide the ball past Samuel in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Al-Nassr now sit comfortably at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 30 points, having scored 33 goals and conceded just five, underlining their dominance at both ends of the pitch.
Elsewhere, Al-Qadsiah were held to a 1-1 draw by Damac as they looked to break into the top four following Al-Ahli’s defeat to Al-Fateh. A compact Damac side frustrated the hosts, who needed a first-half equalizer from Mateo Retegui to salvage a point.
