Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Brace as Al Nassr Win Saudi Pro League
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr recorded a convincing victory in a crucial title-deciding clash
- Goals from Senegalese forward Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman also played key roles in the result
- Ronaldo ended another strong league campaign among the top scorers despite missing out on the Golden Boot
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr defeated Damac FC 4-1 at Al Awwal Park on Thursday, May 21, securing their first Saudi Pro League title in seven years.
Entering the match on 83 points, Al Nassr knew victory was crucial to keep control of the title race and stop Al Hilal from overtaking them.
Source: Getty Images
According to France24, Sadio Mané opened the scoring with a brilliant header before Kingsley Coman doubled the lead in the 52nd minute with a powerful left-footed strike.
Damac pulled one back six minutes later when Morlaye Sylla converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 and briefly restore hope.
Ronaldo scores brace vs Damac FC
With Al Nassr holding a narrow lead, João Félix attempted to create space down the left side before being brought down by a strong challenge.
Despite facing a difficult angle, Ronaldo stepped up to take the resulting free-kick and delivered a powerful effort that bounced off the turf and beat the goalkeeper in the 63rd minute.
The Portuguese forward’s delivery caused problems as players crowded the box, making it difficult for the goalkeeper to track the ball before it found its way into the net.
With only minutes remaining, Ronaldo struck again, finishing clinically from inside the penalty area to grab his second goal and seal a convincing 4-1 victory.
Earlier goals from Mane and Coman had given Al Nassr their advantage before Damac temporarily threatened a comeback through their penalty.
Ronaldo among Saudi Pro League top scorers
According to ESPN, Ronaldo completed another productive campaign by taking his Saudi Pro League tally to 28 goals for the season.
That total saw him finish third in the Golden Boot standings in a campaign that produced extraordinary numbers among the league’s top forwards.
After 34 matches, Julián Quiñones of Al Qadsiah topped the scoring charts with 33 goals.
Just behind him was Ivan Toney of Al Ahli, who finished second with 32 goals.
Source: Getty Images
Before lifting the Saudi Pro League title, Cristiano Ronaldo had already won 36 major trophies during his time with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr.
His trophy count has occasionally generated debate due to the inclusion of the Arab Club Champions Cup. This tournament is organised by the Union of Arab Football Associations, which he won in 2023 after scoring the decisive goal against Al Hilal in the final.
However, adding the Saudi Pro League title takes Ronaldo’s overall career trophy collection to 37.
Ronaldo enjoyed his most successful period at Real Madrid, where he won 16 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles.
Across two spells at Manchester United, he collected 10 trophies, while his stint with Juventus brought five honours, including two Serie A crowns.
On the international stage, Ronaldo also led Portugal national football team to major success, winning the UEFA European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.
Ronaldo opens up about retirement
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has offered a candid reflection on his future, admitting that the end of his playing career is now drawing closer.
The Al Nassr forward stressed that while retirement is approaching, his passion for football remains as strong as ever.
Source: YEN.com.gh
