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Cristiano Ronaldo has put Al-Nassr on the brink of Saudi Pro League glory after inspiring his side to an important 2-0 win over rivals Al Ahli. The Portuguese sensation was once again the difference, ensuring the Riyadh-based giants extended their incredible winning run to 20 matches in all competitions.
Vintage Ronaldo breaks the deadlock
In a high-stakes encounter that remained deadlocked for 75 minutes, it was inevitable that Ronaldo would be the man to provide the spark. The 41-year-old rose highest to meet a precision corner from Portugal team-mate Joao Felix, curling a header into the top corner that left Edouard Mendy rooting for the spot.
The header marked Ronaldo’s 25th goal of the current league campaign, cementing his position as one of the most clinical finishers in the world. After the goal, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner celebrated with his trademark exuberance, leading his teammates to the corner flag as the Al-Nassr faithful sensed that a first Saudi Pro League title for their captain was finally within reach.
Kingsley Coman seals Al-Nassr’s 20th win in a row
While Ronaldo grabbed the headlines with the opener, former Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman ensured there would be no late drama. The Frenchman capitalized on Al Ahli’s failure to clear another dangerous set-piece in the 90th minute, unleashing a powerful drive into the net to make it 2-0 and officially put the result beyond doubt.
This victory extends Al-Nassr’s remarkable winning streak to 20 consecutive games across all competitions, a run that includes 16 consecutive victories in the domestic league. The Riyadh giants now sit at the top of the table, holding an eight-point lead over Al-Hilal and a 13-point advantage over Al Ahli. Al-Nassr have just four games left in their season compared to their rivals’ five. That means both Al-Hilal and Al Ahli remain mathematically in the race, but catching the rising league leaders will be a monumental task.
Chasing Toney & Quinones in the Golden Boot race
Ronaldo’s continued brilliance has now seen him reach a landmark of 25 or more goals in three consecutive league seasons, a feat he has not achieved since his iconic nine-year run at Real Madrid. His career total now stands at a staggering 970 goals for club and country, 126 of which have come in the yellow and blue of Al-Nassr.
The veteran forward is also locked in a tough battle for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot. He is currently two goals behind Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who is second in the scoring charts, and three behind Julian Quinones, who tops the pile with 28.
The final countdown to glory
For Al Ahli, the defeat serves as a bitter pill to swallow amid what has been a successful spell elsewhere. Although they recently defended their AFC Champions League Elite crown, Matthias Jaissle’s domestic consistency has faltered at the most critical time. The gap to the summit now looks insurmountable as the games run out to the Jeddah outfit.
With Al-Nassr just a handful of points away from mathematically securing the championship, the focus in Riyadh among fans has already shifted to the celebrations. Ronaldo, who has transformed the profile of Saudi football since his arrival, is now just days away from lifting the first major trophy that has eluded him since moving to the Middle East.
