Ronaldo’s Al Nassr defeats unbeaten Al Hilal
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 31, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr dealt Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal their first defeat of the season with a 3-1 victory in the Riyadh derby on Thursday.
The match was billed as a showdown between Ronaldo and his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who joined Al Hilal last month.
But it was Ronaldo who stole the show with a stunning performance, scoring a brace and assisting the other goal.
Ronaldo puts Al Nassr ahead
Ronaldo gave Al Nassr the lead in the 21st minute with a trademark header from a cross by Alvaro Gonzalez.
The goal was Ronaldo’s eighth in five games for Al Nassr since joining the club from Manchester United in December.
Al Nassr doubled their lead in the 45th minute through a penalty by Gonzalo Martinez.
Al Hilal pulls one back
Al Hilal pulled one back in the 60th minute through a spectacular long-range strike by Luciano Vietto.
But Ronaldo restored Al Nassr’s two-goal lead just three minutes later with a brilliant solo goal.
Ronaldo collected the ball on the left flank, beat two defenders and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
Al Hilal’s unbeaten run ends
The goal sealed the victory for Al Nassr and ended Al Hilal’s unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Al Nassr moved up to second place in the table, three points behind Al Hilal with a game in hand.
Ronaldo’s impact on Al Nassr
Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr has had a transformative impact on the club.
The team has won four of their five games since Ronaldo joined, scoring 15 goals in the process.
Ronaldo has also been a major boost for the club’s marketing and commercial operations.
Al Nassr’s social media following has increased by millions since Ronaldo joined, and the club has signed a number of new sponsorship deals.
Al Nassr’s title hopes
Al Nassr’s victory over Al Hilal has given them a major boost in their quest to win the Saudi Pro League title.
The club has not won the league since 2019, but Ronaldo’s arrival has given them a real chance of ending that drought.
Al Nassr will face Al Taawoun in their next match on February 3.
