Dammam, Saudi Arabia – Al-Nassr secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday. The match saw Cristiano Ronaldo find the back of the net once again, continuing his impressive scoring streak.
A Tight Contest:
The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Al-Khaleej opened the scoring early on, but Al-Nassr quickly responded with a goal from Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar’s goal proved to be a turning point in the match, boosting his team’s morale.
Match Highlights:
First Half: The first half saw a cautious start from both sides. Al-Khaleej focused on keeping a solid defensive shape, knowing the attacking threat Al-Nassr posed.
A pivotal moment came in the 35th minute when Saeed Al Hamsal of Al-Khaleej received a controversial red card for a late challenge on Anderson Talisca. The decision left Al-Khaleej down to 10 men, significantly tilting the odds in Al-Nassr’s favor.
Despite dominating possession, Al-Nassr couldn’t find a way past Al-Khaleej’s resilient defense in the first 45 minutes, with the half ending 0-0.
Second-Half Dominance: In the 65th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Al-Nassr, breaking the deadlock. Al-Khaleej responded with a penalty goal in the 80th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. However, Al-Nassr regained the lead just a minute later through Sultan Al-Ghannam. Ronaldo sealed the victory with a goal in added time, securing the 3-1 win for his team.
Ronaldo’s Brace (90+3′): In injury time, Ronaldo sealed the victory with a spectacular left-footed strike from outside the box. The goal showcased his class and capped off an outstanding performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Opener (65′): The deadlock was broken in the 65th minute when Ronaldo, receiving a pinpoint cross from Marcelo Brozović, rose above the defenders to head the ball into the back of the net. This goal marked his 82nd for Al-Nassr, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting fans.
Al-Khaleej’s Equalizer (80′): Despite being a man down, Al-Khaleej stunned Al-Nassr with a penalty goal after VAR confirmed a handball in the box. The cool finish from the spot temporarily silenced the Al-Nassr supporters.
Sultan Al-Ghannam Restores the Lead (81′): Al-Nassr responded immediately as Sultan Al-Ghannam capitalized on a defensive lapse from Al-Khaleej, scoring a composed finish just a minute after the equalizer.
Ronaldo’s Impact: Ronaldo’s goal once again highlighted his importance to the team. His clinical finishing and leadership on the field have been instrumental in Al-Nassr’s success this season. With his two goals in this match, Ronaldo reached 100 goal contributions for Al-Nassr, comprising 83 goals and 17 assists in 92 appearances since joining the club. This achievement underscores his significant impact on the team’s performance and his prolific scoring record.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Historic Achievement
Ronaldo’s brace in this match was not just crucial for the result but also marked a major milestone in his career. The Portuguese superstar now has 100 goal contributions (83 goals and 17 assists) for Al-Nassr in just 92 appearances. This feat underscores his remarkable consistency and ability to deliver in high-stakes moments.
Post-Match Reactions
Cristiano Ronaldo:
“Tonight was special. The team worked hard, and I’m proud to have contributed to this victory. It’s all about pushing forward and keeping our title dreams alive.”
Coach Luís Castro (Al-Nassr):
“The players showed incredible resilience. Ronaldo’s leadership and the team’s collective effort were key today.”
Al-Khaleej Coach:
“It’s disappointing to lose after such a spirited fight, especially with 10 men. We’ll regroup and focus on the next match.”
