Ronaldo again far from Saudi title, as Al-Hilal keep winning – even Neymar can't help

Ronaldo scored but Al-Ittihad were demolished 3-1 by Al-Hilal, opening up a nine-point gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo may be the biggest name in Saudi Arabian football, but he is a long way from winning the league title with Al-Ittihad.

His team is now nine points behind Al-Hilal after the league leaders extended their unbeaten run to 13 games with a 3-1 win over Al-Batin.

Ronaldo did score a penalty for Al-Ittihad, but it was not enough to prevent them from slipping to a fourth defeat in their last seven league games.

Al-Hilal have been in imperious form this season, winning 11 of their last 12 league games.

They are now nine points clear at the top of the table, and they have a game in hand over second-placed Al-Shabab.

Al-Hilal's victory was inspired by a brace from Odion Ighalo, who took his tally for the season to 11 goals.

Al-Ittihad had hoped that the arrival of Neymar would help them challenge for the title this season.

However, the Brazilian has been unable to turn around their fortunes, and they have now lost four of their last seven league games.

Neymar did score a penalty for Al-Ittihad, but it was not enough to prevent them from slipping to a fourth defeat in their last seven league games.

Ronaldo has now scored five goals in seven league games for Al-Ittihad.

However, he is still nine points behind Salem Al-Dawsari in the goalscoring charts.

Al-Dawsari has scored 14 goals in 12 league games for Al-Hilal this season.

Al-Ittihad have now lost four of their last seven league games.

They will need to improve their form if they want to challenge for the title this season.

Their next game is against Al-Raed on Saturday.