Saudi Gazette repoer

RIYADH — Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo led Al-Nassr to a 2-0 win over Damac with a commanding performance, scoring both goals in their Saudi Pro League Round 12 match.

Al-Nassr bounced back from their previous defeat to Al-Qadsiah, securing three vital points to bring their tally to 25 and maintaining their third-place position in the league standings. This victory also sets a positive tone for their upcoming high-stakes match against Al-Ittihad before the extended league break.

Ronaldo’s impressive form continued as he netted a brace for the second consecutive match, having scored twice against Qatar’s Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite Round earlier this week.

The Portuguese forward opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a perfectly executed penalty, awarded after a foul inside the box.

He doubled Al-Nassr’s lead in the 79th minute with a clinical finish, solidifying his status as the team’s key player.

Damac faced a setback in the 56th minute when Algerian defender Abdelkader Bedrane was shown a red card following a clash with Al-Nassr’s Hamad Siemakan, who later left the field due to injury.

Ronaldo came close to completing a hat trick late in the game when he broke free on goal but chose to unselfishly pass to teammate Talisca, who found the back of the net. However, the goal was ruled offside, leaving the final score at 2-0.

This win keeps Al-Nassr firmly in contention at the top of the league as they prepare for their much-anticipated clash against Al-Ittihad.