Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, including a spectacular volley, as Al-Nassr came from behind to defeat 10-man Al-Riyadh 2-1 at Al-Awwal Park on Saturday, keeping their slim Saudi Pro League title hopes alive. The victory moves Al-Nassr to within one point of second-placed Al-Hilal.
The visitors took a surprise lead just before halftime when Faiz Selemani reacted quickest to score a rebound after Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento parried Abdullah Al-Khaibari’s long-range shot.
Al-Nassr responded after the break, led by their 40-year-old captain. Four minutes before the hour mark, Sadio Mane squared a pass for Ronaldo to tap in the equalizer from close range. Eight minutes later (in the 64th minute), Ronaldo produced a moment of brilliance, smashing an unstoppable volley into the top corner from the edge of the area after a clearance looped towards him.6 The goals took his league tally to 23 for the season, consolidating his lead in the Golden Boot race.
Al-Riyadh pushed for a late equalizer, with Ibrahim Bayesh hitting the woodwork, but their hopes were extinguished when Ahmed Asiri received a straight red card deep into stoppage time. Jhon Duran almost added a third for Al-Nassr late on.
The win lifts Al-Nassr to 57 points, remaining third but closing the gap to Al-Hilal (58 points) and staying eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad (65 points) with seven games remaining.
Lopez Double Earns Al-Fayha Win, Dents Al-Qadsiah’s Top-Three Hopes
Al-Qadsiah’s push for a top-three finish in the Saudi Pro League suffered a setback as they lost 2-1 away to Al-Fayha on Saturday. A brace from Al-Fayha striker Renzo Lopez proved decisive.
Lopez gave the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute, assisted by Alejandro Pozuelo. He added his second just before the hour mark (58th minute), this time set up by Fashion Sakala.
Al-Qadsiah, who dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances, scored a late consolation goal through a Julian Quiñones penalty in the 92nd minute.
The defeat leaves Al-Qadsiah in fifth place with 52 points, level with fourth-placed Al-Ahli but behind on tiebreakers [or head-to-head, depending on league rules]. They missed the chance to gain ground on Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal above them.
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