Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Al Hilal tightened their grip on the Saudi Pro League title race after overturning an early deficit to defeat Al Nassr 3-1 on Monday, extending their lead at the top of the table as their rivals’ recent slump continued.

Al Nassr were forced to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, who was sent off for an off-the-ball altercation with Ruben Neves outside the penalty area.

The opening half was evenly contested, although Al Nassr grew increasingly threatening as the match progressed.

Their pressure paid off three minutes before the break when Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock, firing home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The goal took the Portuguese star to 15 league goals, keeping him top of the Saudi Pro League scoring charts.

Al Hilal emerged with renewed intensity after the interval and drew level in the 57th minute when Salem Al Dawsari converted from the penalty spot.

The match swung decisively in Al Hilal’s favour as Al Nassr struggled numerically and physically after Al Aqidi’s red card.

In the 81st minute, Mohammed Kanno put the hosts ahead, finishing from close range after sustained pressure inside the box.

Al Hilal sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Neves calmly dispatched a second penalty in the 92nd minute, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

The result lifts Al Hilal to 38 points, opening up a seven-point gap over second-placed Al Nassr.

While Al Nassr had made history by winning their opening 10 league matches, their momentum has since stalled, with the team collecting just one point from their last four outings.