Al-Nassr
Ronaldo Rises Again as Al-Nassr Edge Pro League Epic 5-3
Cristiano Ronaldo seized center stage with a devastating hat-trick as Al-Nassr outgunned Al Kholood 5-3 in a Pro League regular season classic brimming with VAR drama and relentless attacking football.
Al Kholood Stun Al-Nassr With Early Blitz
The visitors shocked the home crowd when Julien Domingues rifled Al Kholood ahead on 16 minutes after Ronaldo had a goal chalked off by VAR just four minutes earlier. But Ange Postecoglou’s side responded like champions – Angelo Borges hammering home a Joao Felix assist after 24 minutes before Sadio Mané’s clinical finish put Al-Nassr 2-1 up by the 38th minute. Just when momentum swung, Antoine Bikoula punished sloppy marking to make it 2-2 on the stroke of halftime.
Ronaldo Takes Over as Al-Nassr Find Another Gear
The second half belonged to the Portuguese icon. First, he latched onto Felix’s third assist of the night to restore Al-Nassr’s lead (66′), then headed home another Felix delivery six minutes later. When Ronaldo completed his hat-trick from Mané’s pass in the 81st minute, the 5-2 scoreline flattered the hosts’ 54% possession dominance. Domingues’ 94th-minute penalty – awarded after a lengthy VAR check – proved mere consolation for Al Kholood.
What This Pro League Classic Means
Ronaldo’s masterclass keeps Al-Nassr’s title charge burning white-hot, with Felix’s creative triple-assist showing providing the perfect foil. For Al Kholood, the gallant display proves they can trouble Saudi Arabia’s elite despite defensive frailties – though manager Daniel Buckingham will rue conceding five goals for the first time this campaign.
Key Moments
16′ ⚽ Al Kholood — Julien Domingues (assist: Abdulrahman Al-Dosari)
24′ ⚽ Al-Nassr — Angelo Borges (assist: Joao Felix)
38′ ⚽ Al-Nassr — Sadio Mané (assist: Joao Felix)
45+2′ ⚽ Al Kholood — Antoine Loic Essomba Bikoula (assist: Julien Domingues)
