Al-Nassr beat Al-Hilal 3-1 thanks to Ronaldo brace

Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice in the second half — including a late penalty — to lead Al-Nassr to a crucial 3-1 victory over Al-Hilal on Friday in the Saudi Pro League, keeping their title hopes alive.

Al-Nassr remain in third place with 54 points, now just three behind second-placed Al-Hilal and seven adrift of league leaders Al-Ittihad, who are set to face Al-Ahli on Saturday.

The match opened with intensity as Ali Al Hassan put Al-Nassr ahead before halftime, curling a superb effort past goalkeeper Yassine Bono.

Just two minutes into the second half, Ronaldo doubled the lead, finishing clinically after receiving a precise pass from Sadio Mané.

Al-Hilal responded with urgency, using swift counterattacks to create pressure. Their efforts paid off in the 62nd minute when Ali Al Bulayhi scored with a close-range header from a corner, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

But Ronaldo would have the final say. In the 88th minute, Al-Nassr were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a handball by substitute Mouteb Al-Harbi. The Portuguese forward made no mistake from the spot, sealing the win.

“The team effort was crucial to this win and me scoring is important but it's more important to win,” Ronaldo said in a post-match interview with SSC.

The victory puts Al-Nassr firmly back in the title race, with the season approaching its decisive phase.