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Cristiano Ronaldo has put Al-Nassr on the verge of Saudi Pro League glory after inspiring his team to a vital 2-0 victory over rivals Al Ahli. The Portuguese sensation once again made the difference, ensuring the Riyadh giants extended their incredible winning streak to 20 matches in all competitions.
Vintage Ronaldo breaks the deadlock
In a high-stakes encounter that remained stalemate 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 pinpoint corner from Portuguese team-mate Joao Félix, heading into the top corner that left Edouard Mendy pinned on the spot.
The header marked Ronaldo’s 25th goal of the current league campaign, reinforcing his position as one of the world’s most clinical finishers. 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 felt that a first Saudi Pro League title for their captain was finally within reach.
Kingsley Coman achieves Al-Nassr’s twentieth consecutive victory
While Ronaldo grabbed the headlines with the opening goal, former Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman made sure there was no late drama. The Frenchman took advantage of Al Ahli’s failure to clear another dangerous set piece in the 90th minute, unleashing a powerful shot into the back of 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 matches in all competitions, a streak that includes 16 consecutive victories in the domestic league. The Riyadh giants now sit at the top of the table, with an eight-point lead over Al-Hilal and 13 points over Al Ahli. Al-Nassr only has four games left in the season compared to his rival’s five. This means that both Al-Hilal and Al Ahli are mathematically still in the race, but catching up with the rising league leaders will be a monumental task.
Chasing Toney and Quiñones in the race for the Golden Boot
Ronaldo’s sustained brilliance has now seen him reach the mark of 25 or more goals in three consecutive league seasons, a feat he has not achieved since his iconic nine years at Real Madrid. His career total now stands at a staggering 970 goals for club and country, 126 of them for Al-Nassr’s yellow and blue team.
The veteran striker is also locked in a fierce battle for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot. He is currently two goals behind Al Ahli forward Ivan Toney, who is second on the scoring table, and three behind Julián Quiñones, who leads the standings with 28.
The final countdown to glory
For Al Ahli, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow amid what has been a successful period elsewhere. Although they recently defended their AFC Champions League Elite crown, the domestic consistency of Matthias Jaissle’s team has faltered at the most critical moment. The gap to the top now seems insurmountable as the games are winding down for the Jeddah team.
With Al-Nassr needing only a handful of points to mathematically secure the championship, the attention of fans in Riyadh 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 his first major trophy that has eluded him since moving to the Middle East.
