In a highly anticipated clash that marked the reunion of former Real Madrid teammates, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his scoring prowess by netting twice from the penalty spot, leading Al Nassr to a resounding 5-2 victory over Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
The match witnessed a face-off between Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who both made high-profile moves to Al Ittihad during the summer transfer window. Despite the reunion, it was Ronaldo who stole the spotlight with his clinical finishing.
Al Ittihad seized an early lead in the 14th minute through Abderrazak Hamdallah, setting the tone for an intense encounter. However, Al Nassr quickly responded as Ronaldo converted a penalty down the middle, leveling the score just five minutes later.
Talisca put Al Nassr ahead in the 38th minute, but Hamdallah, proving his scoring prowess, equalized six minutes into the second half. The seesaw battle continued, with Ronaldo once again demonstrating his penalty expertise in the 68th minute, notching his 53rd goal of the year and propelling Al Nassr back into the lead.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 66th minute when Fabinho of Al Ittihad received a red card, reducing the team to 10 men. Seizing the numerical advantage, Sadio Mane capitalized on the situation, striking twice in the 75th and 82nd minutes to secure a convincing victory for Al Nassr.
Ronaldo’s exceptional performance, including his clinical penalty conversions, showcased why he remains a dominant force on the field. The victory for Al Nassr in this high-stakes encounter underscores their competitiveness in the Saudi Pro League and adds another thrilling chapter to the ongoing football season.
