Ronaldo scores twice in Al-Nassr win

Associated Press

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) – Cristiano Ronaldo scored both goals as Al-Nassr defeated Damac 2-0 to keep their Saudi Pro League title challenge alive on Friday.

The Portuguese star is yet to win a major trophy since arriving in Riyadh in 2022. He struck once in each half to ensure Al-Nassr remained third, five points behind leaders Al-Ittihad. Defending champions Al-Hilal finished second.

A good third of the season has been played.

In the 16th minute, Ronaldo fired home from the penalty spot after Abdelkader Bedrane handled in the area.

The Algerian defender ended a miserable night early in the second half when he was red-carded for a dangerous tackle.

With 10 minutes remaining, Ronaldo scored from close range to seal the victory. The strike moved him into second place in the league’s goalscoring standings with nine, one above Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad and three behind Aleksandar Mitrovic of Al-Hilal.

Elsewhere, Al-Qadsia remained in fourth place, level with Al-Nassr, after beating Al-Khaleej 1-0.

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