Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 19th league goal of the season as 10-man Al-Nassr secured a 3-1 victory over Al-Kholood on Friday, keeping their faint Saudi Pro League title hopes alive. The win moves Al-Nassr into third place in the table.
Al-Nassr’s star-studded attack dominated the first half. Ronaldo opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, guiding a shot into the bottom corner from close range after the ball fell favorably to him.
Al-Kholood thought they had equalized five minutes later, but Myziane Maolida’s goal was disallowed for offside.
Sadio Mane doubled Al-Nassr’s lead in the 26th minute, finishing first-time from a Salem Al-Najdi cross after good work from Ronaldo in the build-up. Jhon Duran made it 3-0 before halftime, receiving a pass from Angelo and finishing clinically with a low shot into the corner.
The match took a turn just before the hour mark when Al-Nassr’s Nawaf Boushal was sent off for a second yellow card. Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted shortly after, expressing clear displeasure as he left the field.
Al-Kholood reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute through an Ali Lajami own goal, creating a nervy finish for the home side. However, Al-Nassr managed the game effectively in the closing stages to secure the three points. The win keeps Al-Nassr’s title hopes alive, though they remain some distance behind the leaders.
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