Saudi Pro League: Ronaldo Brace Helps Al-nassr To Victory, Al-Hilal Cruise Again

Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half double helped Al-Nassr to a 3-1 Saudi Pro League win at Al-Khaleej, though leaders Al-Hilal's fifth straight victory means they are still 11 points off the summit. (More Football News)

Stefano Pioli's Al-Nassr entered Tuesday's game having only won one of their last four in league action, and their hopes were boosted when their hos𒁃ts saw Saeed Al Hamsal sent off for a handball to deny a clear goalscor🍰ing opportunity in the 34th minute.

Ronaldo was seen in animated discussion with Marcelo Brozovic after the half-time whistle, with Al-Nassr struggling to break down their stubborn 💮opponents.

Ronaldo finally broke the deadlock with a well-taken volley in the 65th minute, but Kostas Fortounis swiftly equalised from the penalty spot following a handbal🧸l from Ali Lajami.

However, Al-Nassr restoreওd their advantage just one minute after being pegged back as Sultan Al-Ghannam rifled home, then Ronaldo added a tap-in deep into stoppage time to make the points safe.

That victory did not do much for Al-Nas♋sr's flagging title hopes, thoughไ, as Al-Hilal racked up another dominant win, beating Al-Wehda 4-1 at Kingdom Arena.

Jorge Jesus' team – who thra൲shed Al Fateh 9-0 last time out – cruised to their fifth straight victory in the competition, with Marcos Leonardo and Malcolm scoring inside the first 11 minutes.

Malcolm✤ added a second in the 82nd minute before Craig Goodwin denied Al-Hilal a clean sheet, but Abdullah Al Ham♊ddan added some gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time.

Leaders Al-Hilal are three points clear of Al-Ittihad, who hos𝓀t Al-Shabab in their game in hand on Wednesday, and 11 aheadꦯ of third-placed Al-Nassr.