ristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as Al Nassr edged Al Ahli 1-0 in a pulsating top-of-the-table clash on Thursday to reignite their title hopes in the Saudi Professional League.
The match between the two title contenders lived up to its billing with both teams creating a plethora of chances but it was Ronaldo who stepped up to make the difference.
Al Nassr started the game brightly and went close in the fifth minute when Anderson Talisca’s curling effort from outside the box crashed against the crossbar.
Al Ahli responded with a chance of their own in the 13th minute when Mohamed Kanoo’s teasing cross found Omar Al Soma at the back post but the striker’s header went wide.
The game continued to ebb and flow with both teams threatening but unable to find a breakthrough.
And just when it looked like the game was heading for a goalless draw, Ronaldo stepped up to break the deadlock in the 83rd minute.
The Portuguese superstar was fouled inside the box by Al Ahli defender Ali Faez and the referee pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo made no mistake from 12 yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to score his 18th goal of the season and send the Al Nassr fans into raptures.
Al Ahli tried to find an equalizer in the dying minutes but Al Nassr held on to secure a crucial victory.
The win moved Al Nassr back into second place in the table, two points behind leaders Al Ittihad with five games remaining.
Al Ahli, meanwhile, remained in third place, a further point behind.
Ronaldo’s penalty secures crucial win for Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty secured a crucial 1-0 win for Al Nassr against Al Ahli in a pulsating top-of-the-table clash on Thursday.
The Portuguese superstar scored the only goal of the game from the spot in the 83rd minute to send Al Nassr back into second place in the table, two points behind leaders Al Ittihad.
Al Ahli, meanwhile, remained in third place, a further point behind.
The win was a vital one for Al Nassr, who had lost their last three games in all competitions.
It also marked a welcome return to form for Ronaldo, who had been struggling to find the back of the net in recent weeks.
The goal was Ronaldo’s 18th of the season in all competitions and his 14th in the league.
It was also his ninth penalty goal of the season, making him the top scorer from the spot in the Saudi Professional League.
Ronaldo’s goal was the difference between the two teams on the night and it was enough to secure all three points for Al Nassr.
The win puts Al Nassr back in the driving seat for the title and they will now be hoping to build on this victory in the coming weeks.
