Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his comeback to Al-Nassr’s lineup by scoring in a 2-0 victory over Al-Fateh, a result that lifted them to second place in the Saudi Pro League.
Match Report
After sitting out two league fixtures amid a protest against the club’s hierarchy regarding their limited transfer dealings, the Portugal legend returned to captain Al-Nassr to a sixth consecutive triumph.
Ronaldo dragged an early effort wide just 34 seconds after kickoff as Al-Nassr began on the front foot, while Kingsley Coman also sent a close-range chance over the bar.
However, Ronaldo found the net in the 18th minute. Sadio Mane, who had taken on added responsibility during the 41-year-old’s absence, whipped in a low delivery from the left, and Ronaldo connected first time to overcome Fernando Pacheco.
Al-Fateh gradually gained momentum before halftime, with Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem, Mourad Batna, and Jorge Fernandes all challenging Bento, yet none managed to finish.
Mohamed Simakan later struck low from Marcelo Brozovic’s partially cleared corner, but the effort was ruled out for offside in the buildup following a lengthy VAR review.
Alman Yahya eventually sealed the win in the 78th minute, controlling Coman’s cross before unleashing a fierce shot beyond Pacheco’s reach.
Ronaldo looked as though he had not missed a beat, quickly notching his 18th Saudi Pro League goal of the campaign.
That tally moves him to 962 career goals as he pursues the 1,000-goal milestone, now just 38 shy of the remarkable figure.
Despite Al-Nassr registering 14 attempts to Al-Fateh’s 10, clear chances were limited, though the visitors surpassed their 1.3 expected goals (xG).
They have also recorded five straight league clean sheets, their longest streak since a run of six between October 2014 and February 2015.