Cristiano Ronaldo Powers Al Nassr to Derby Victory
Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his enduring impact, propelling Al Nassr to a 3-1 triumph over local rivals Al Hilal in the Riyadh Derby. Held on April 4, 2025, this game was a critical piece in the fierce contest for the Saudi Pro League crown.
Ronaldo’s Significant Impact
Al Nassr, now positioned in third place with 54 points, closed in on second-placed Al Hilal, who are just three points higher. This win was marked notably by Ronaldo, who found the net twice in the game’s latter half.
- His initial goal came quickly after halftime, thanks to an accurate pass from Sadio Mané, setting the score at 2-0.
- His second, a confidently executed penalty in the 88th minute, ensured the victory after Al Hilal’s push to rally.
Setbacks for Al Hilal
The opening goal arrived just before the interval with Ali Al Hassan’s skillful finish against goalkeeper Yassine Bono. Al Hilal’s Ali Al Bulayhi managed a response by scoring with a header from a corner in the 62nd minute, but Al Nassr’s defense proved unyielding.
The turning point occurred when Al Hilal substitute Mouteb Al-Harbi was caught for handball, verified by VAR, paving the way for Ronaldo’s penalty conversion.
Wider Impact
This win places Al Nassr in a strategic position to chase league leaders Al Ittihad, who currently sit seven points ahead. Ronaldo’s performance not only elevates his goal count in the Saudi Pro League to 70, but also highlights his relentless pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
After the game, Ronaldo highlighted the team’s collective effort, stressing that while scoring is crucial, the success of the team takes precedence. Defending champions Al Hilal must rethink their tactics as they continue competing for the top with few matches left.
The match drew 25,187 spectators and was officiated by Georgi Kabakov. With the Saudi Pro League intensifying, each match brings potential changes in the rankings, and Al Ittihad’s upcoming match against Al Ahli is eagerly anticipated by fans and commentators.
