Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al Nassr) exploded for his 100th goal in the Saudi league.
Al Nassr beat Al Shabab 4-2 in the 32nd round of the Saudi Pro League held on the 7th. With 82 points, Al Nassr sits five points ahead of second-place Al Hilal, who have played one fewer match, gaining an advantageous position in the title race.
Al Nassr's firepower erupted from the start of the match. João Félix scored consecutive goals before 10 minutes had passed since kickoff, quickly making it 2-0. But late in the first half, Yannick Carrasco scored a consolation goal, and Al Shabab did not give up easily.
In the end, the solver was Ronaldo again. In the 30th minute of the second half, he pushed Sadio Mané's cross into the net in the penalty area to score the team's third goal. It was Ronaldo's 26th league goal of the season and his 100th league goal since moving to Saudi Arabia. At the same time, it marked the 971st goal of his career.
It was finishing power that made you forget he is 41. Ronaldo still plays the role of the solver who saves the team at the most important moments. Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus also praised him, saying, "Ronaldo is always a dangerous player. He proved it again today."
Al Shabab pressured Al Nassr until the end with Ali Al Bulaihi's late goal. But Félix completed a hat trick from the penalty spot, putting the finishing touch on the result.
Now attention turns to the showdown derby against Al Hilal on the 12th. It is effectively the match that will decide the league title. Ronaldo will also challenge for his first league title since joining Al Nassr.
On top of that, the AFC Champions League 2 final remains. Al Nassr will face Gamba Osaka on the 16th. All eyes are on whether Ronaldo can lift his first major trophy on the Saudi stage.
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