Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved why he is one of football’s greatest as he scored a brace to lead Al-Nassr to a commanding 4-0 victory over Al-Wasl in a thrilling Saudi Pro League match on Monday. The Portuguese superstar was in scintillating form, showcasing his timeless class and helping his team secure a dominant win.
From the opening whistle, Al-Nassr asserted their dominance, controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Stefano Pioli, Al-Nassr’s head coach, handed Jhon Duran his debut for the club, pairing the new signing alongside Ronaldo in attack. However, it was Ronaldo who stole the spotlight, delivering a masterclass in finishing and leadership.
The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when Ali Alhassan unleashed a stunning long-range strike from 25 yards out, leaving the Al-Wasl goalkeeper with no chance. Al-Nassr continued to press, and just before halftime, they were awarded a penalty after Sadio Mane’s header struck the arm of Al-Wasl defender Salem Al Azizi inside the box. Ronaldo stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, sending his team into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Al-Wasl came out with renewed energy in the second half, attempting to claw their way back into the game. However, their efforts were thwarted by Al-Nassr’s solid defense and Ronaldo’s relentless attacking threat. Against the run of play in the 78th minute, Ronaldo struck again, this time with a clinical header from a perfectly floated cross by Sadio Mane. The goal effectively sealed the victory for Al-Nassr.
In the closing moments of the match, second-half substitute Al Fatil added a fourth goal, capping off a comprehensive performance by the Saudi giants.
Man of the Match
Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the night. The 39-year-old forward, who is set to celebrate his 40th birthday in just two days, demonstrated his enduring quality with two well-taken goals and constant menace in the opposition box. His leadership and experience were instrumental in guiding Al-Nassr to a comfortable win.
Tough Night for Al-Wasl
Al-Wasl defender Salem Al Azizi had a night to forget, as his extended arm in the box led to the penalty that allowed Al-Nassr to double their lead before halftime. Despite their efforts in the second half, Al-Wasl struggled to break down a disciplined Al-Nassr defense and were ultimately outclassed.
What’s Next?
Al-Nassr will now turn their attention to their next Saudi Pro League fixture, where they will face Al Feiha on Friday. With Ronaldo in top form and the team firing on all cylinders, Pioli’s men will be confident of continuing their winning streak.
For Al-Wasl, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back from this heavy defeat and regain momentum in the league.
This emphatic victory not only solidifies Al-Nassr’s position as one of the league’s top contenders but also serves as a reminder of Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance on the pitch.
