Cristiano Ronaldo masterminded Al-Nassr’s dominant 4-0 win against Riyadh rivals Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League clash held in Riyadh on August 29.
The Portuguese football sensation showcased his extraordinary talents by scoring two goals, delivering two crucial assists, and captivating the crowd with his remarkable skills.
This extraordinary achievement comes just four days after his incredible hat-trick against Al-Fateh, solidifying his position as a true football icon.
Against the formidable six-time champions, Al-Nassr rose to the occasion in what was anticipated to be their toughest challenge this season. Despite Al-Shabab’s fourth-place finish in the previous season, Al Nassr displayed sheer dominance throughout the match.
Ronaldo’s affinity for facing Al-Shabab was evident once again, recalling his outstanding performance last season in a 3-2 victory against the same opponents. However, this time, he took his prowess to new heights, orchestrating a resounding triumph.
The spectacle kicked off with Ronaldo calmly converting a penalty just 13 minutes into the game, cleverly deceiving goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who committed in the wrong direction.
The maestro continued to work his magic, executing a spectacular header 19 minutes in, which unfortunately got disallowed due to a contentious foul against Ronaldo. This incident dampened what could have been an unforgettable moment.
Nevertheless, the unstoppable Ronaldo secured his brace with another perfectly taken penalty, drawing a foul from Gustavo Cuellar and confidently converting the spot-kick. Al-Nassr, leaving behind their early-season struggles, began to relish their performance, much to the delight of their thrilled fans.
The third goal bore Ronaldo’s artistic touch once again, as he delivered a precise first-time pass from a central position just outside the box. The ball was a present for the lively Sadio Mane, who elegantly slotted it home from the edge of the six-yard box.
The second half witnessed Al-Nassr’s relentless pursuit of victory. A prime opportunity for Ronaldo’s hat-trick emerged when a shot struck Iago Santos’ arm, resulting in another penalty.
Impressively, Ronaldo selflessly passed the ball to Abdulrahman Ghareeb, who unfortunately hit the post, missing the fairy-tale ending.
In a flurry of electrifying moments, Al-Nassr came close to extending their lead. Ronaldo’s accurate pass found its way to the center but was denied by Santos, who nearly scored an own goal, saved only by Kim’s quick reflexes. Mane then hit the post with a follow-up shot, leaving the spectators in awe.
With just 10 minutes left, Ronaldo’s unwavering determination shone through. A powerful header against the post paved the way for Sultan Al-Ghannam to seize the opportunity and seal the 4-0 victory. Adding to Al-Shabab’s woes, Ever Banega’s ejection for a foul on Aymeric Laporte further cemented Al-Nassr’s triumphant night.
Meanwhile, in Jeddah, Al-Ahli extended their winning streak with a 2-0 win over Al-Tai. Allan Saint-Maximin’s dazzling run down the left side set up Riyad Mahrez’s superb finish, while Franck Kessie’s thunderous strike expanded Al-Ahli’s lead against 10-man Al-Tai.
In other matches, Al-Khaleej fought to a 1-1 draw against Al-Hazem, Damac and Al-Fateh settled for an exciting 2-2 tie, and Al-Taawoun clinched a 1-0 victory over Al-Okhdood. Yet, this day unquestionably belonged to Ronaldo, once again winning hearts and making headlines with his exceptional performance on the field.
READ MORE: US Open Day 1: Djokovic Triumphs, Chinese Players Shine