Cristiano Ronaldo proved once again why he remains one of the most lethal forwards in world football, scoring a second-half brace to lead Al Nassr to a vital 3-1 victory over rivals Al Hilal on Friday night in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese superstar was the difference-maker, as Al Nassr closed the gap in the title race with just a handful of matches remaining.
Ronaldo’s double—featuring a well-placed strike and a late penalty—came after a dominant team performance by Al Nassr, who now sit just three points behind Al Hilal and seven points off the league leaders, Al Ittihad.
Al Nassr Strike First with Stunning Opener
The highly anticipated clash between Al Nassr and reigning champions Al Hilal began with intensity and quick tempo. Both teams pressed hard from the opening whistle, but it was Al Nassr who struck first.
In the closing minutes of the first half, midfielder Ali Al Hassan curled a beautiful right-footed effort into the back of the net, beating goalkeeper Yassine Bono. The goal not only broke the deadlock but also gave Al Nassr a psychological advantage going into the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo Doubles the Lead
Just two minutes after the break, Cristiano Ronaldo made his mark. Latching onto a well-timed pass from Sadio Mane, Ronaldo took a quick touch and rifled a low shot into the far corner. The goal showcased his composure and precision inside the box, giving Al Nassr a comfortable 2-0 lead.
RONALDOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SIUUU WHAT A GOAL
930 CAREER GOALS FOR THE GOAT CRISTIANO RONALDO
pic.twitter.com/mlmDCr2mEY— fan (@NoodleHairCR7) April 4, 2025
It was Ronaldo’s 25th goal of the season, further proving that even at 39, he continues to deliver at the highest level. The chemistry between him and Mane, once a Liverpool star, is beginning to blossom as the season nears its climax.
Al Hilal Try to Mount a Comeback
Al Hilal, known for their resilience and experience, refused to go down without a fight. They gradually began to regain possession and test Al Nassr’s defense. Their efforts paid off in the 62nd minute when Ali Al Bulayhi scored from close range following a dangerous corner.
The goal injected new life into Al Hilal’s attack and set up a tense final 30 minutes. But despite their push for an equalizer, the defending champions struggled to break through Al Nassr’s disciplined backline.
VAR Drama and Ronaldo’s Icy Finish
The match’s turning point came in the 86th minute when VAR was called into action after a handball inside the Al Hilal box. Replays confirmed that substitute Mouteb Al-Harbi had handled the ball, and a penalty was awarded to Al Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and, with his trademark confidence, calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-1. The goal sealed the win and sent Al Nassr’s fans into celebration, as the three points kept their title hopes alive.
GOALLLLLL CRISTIANO RONALDO WITH A BRACE!!!
Al Nassr 3-1 Al Hilal pic.twitter.com/h2aajWeXCp
— Lion (@LionXCR7_) April 4, 2025
Ronaldo Praises Team Effort
Speaking after the game, Ronaldo was quick to downplay his individual performance and praised the collective effort.
“The team effort was crucial to this win and me scoring is important but it’s more important to win,” he told SSC after the match.
“I work hard to help the team in the SPL and Champions League and don’t concentrate on individual records,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to the club’s success over personal accolades.
Al Nassr Closes the Gap in Title Race
With this win, Al Nassr move to 54 points—just three behind second-place Al Hilal. League leaders Al Ittihad, who are currently on 61 points, still have a game in hand and face Al Ahli on Saturday. The title race is far from over, and Al Nassr’s victory ensures that the pressure remains on the top two.
Ronaldo’s form will be crucial in the remaining fixtures. The veteran forward has consistently delivered in big games this season, and his experience could be the deciding factor in Al Nassr’s pursuit of the Saudi Pro League crown.
Looking Ahead
Al Nassr now shifts focus to their upcoming league fixtures and their push in the AFC Champions League. With the team clicking in attack and Ronaldo firing on all cylinders, the momentum is firmly on their side.
For Al Hilal, the loss is a major setback, especially with the title race heating up. They’ll need to bounce back quickly if they want to keep pace with the league leaders.
Friday’s match was more than just a local derby—it was a showcase of top-tier football, world-class talent, and the growing intensity of the Saudi Pro League. And once again, Cristiano Ronaldo was at the heart of it all.
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