Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr proceed to dominate the Saudi Professional League, and the newest chapter of their outstanding run unfolded below the intense lights of King Khalid Sports activities Metropolis Stadium in Tabuk, the place Al-Nassr leads Neom SC 2-0. The match has been billed as one of the crucial intriguing fixtures of the weekend — a gathering between the league leaders and certainly one of its rising contenders. With Ronaldo on the pitch, the highlight was at all times going to search out him.
But even by his personal towering requirements, what he achieved on this evening carried particular weight. His purpose — one that might later make headlines internationally — sealed not solely the victory but in addition marked a private milestone. It was Ronaldo’s a centesimal purpose involvement within the Saudi Professional League, a testomony to his staggering consistency since arriving in Riyadh.
Al-Nassr got here into the match on a flawless run, having received all seven of their earlier league fixtures, they usually confirmed little signal of slowing down. Neom, sitting mid-table however boasting an assault led by Alexandre Lacazette and Luciano Rodriguez, entered with optimism — however that confidence pale rapidly.
From the opening whistle, Al-Nassr managed the rhythm. The entrance line — Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane — carved by means of Neom’s protection with sharp actions and complex passing. But, regardless of the dominance within the first 45 minutes, the breakthrough got here after the break. After taking a free kick, Ronaldo’s strike rebounded off the wall, solely to search out Angelo, who shot along with his first contact.
That benefit grew as Neom’s self-discipline wavered. Luciano Rodriguez noticed purple for violent conduct after elbowing Boushal within the face — a choice confirmed by VAR. With Neom lowered to 10 males, the momentum shifted decisively.
Watch Ronaldo internet towards Neom
Then got here the second the gang had been ready for. With Al-Nassr urgent for a second purpose, the referee pointed to the spot after Doucoure fouled Joao Felix contained in the field following a chaotic sequence that started with a misplaced cross towards Ronaldo. After a short VAR test, the penalty stood. And standing over the ball was the person who had outlined stress moments for 20 years.
Cristiano Ronaldo calmly transformed from the spot, sending goalkeeper Maximiano the incorrect method and doubling his facet’s lead within the sixty fifth minute. The group erupted — not simply in celebration of a purpose, however in acknowledgment of historical past.
That strike marked Ronaldo’s ninth league purpose of the season and his a centesimal direct purpose involvement in Saudi Professional League play — 83 objectives and 17 assists in simply 85 appearances. With that, he moved degree atop the scoring charts with Joao Felix and Joshua King.
