The Portuguese ace made it 13 goals in 14 league games to help Al Nassr close the gap to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.
Cristiano Ronaldo breathed new life into Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League title hopes by breaking the deadlock in Tuesday’s thrilling 2-0 win over Al Ta’ee.
In Ha’il, Ronaldo put Al Nassr in front with a 52nd-minute penalty. It was the fifth time the striker had put away a spot-kick in Saudi Arabia, improving his tally to 13 goals in just 14 Saudi Pro League games. Talisca later sealed the 2-0 victory just 10 minutes from time with a second goal, handing Al Nassr a crucial three points.
The gap to Al Ittihad is just three points now
What made Tuesday’s victory even sweeter for Ronaldo and the team was seeing title rivals Al Ittihad give away a two-goal lead on the same day to draw 2-2 with Al Hilal.
Igor Coronado and Ahmed Bamsoud put Al Ittihad ahead inside 30 minutes. The Saudi Pro League leaders couldn’t protect their lead though. Musab Aljuwayr pulled a goal back for Al Hilal in the 41st minute, before Michael scored an injury-time equalizer.
Initially, there was some doubt over Michael’s goal as it seemed Al Ittihad’s Ahmed Hegazy blocked his shot, but a VAR review confirmed the ball had crossed the goal line. And as if that wasn’t enough, Michael then performed Ronaldo’s iconic goal celebration in front of the opposing team’s fans, leaving them in a frenzy.
As a result, Ronaldo and Al Nassr sit just three points behind Al Ittihad in the league standings, with three games left to play this season. They will now prepare to face third-placed Al-Shabab next Tuesday at home.