In a high-stakes Saudi Pro League clash, Al-Nassr delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Al-Hilal in the Matchweek 26 showdown on Friday evening. The win not only reignited Al-Nassr’s title hopes but also ended their long winless streak against their Riyadh counterparts.
Al-Nassr took control early, with Ali Al-Hassan breaking the deadlock in the 49th minute, sending his team into halftime with a 1-0 lead. The second half saw Cristiano Ronaldo steal the spotlight, scoring his first official goal against Al-Hilal since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023. The Portuguese superstar doubled the lead just two minutes after the restart, showcasing his trademark finishing.
Al-Hilal pulled one back through Ali Al-Bulaihi in the 62nd minute, but hopes of a comeback were dashed when Ronaldo converted a penalty in the 88th minute to seal his brace and Al-Nassr’s victory.
Historic Win for Al-Nassr
This victory marked Al-Nassr’s first win over Al-Hilal since December 2021, ending a 10-match winless streak (6 losses, 4 draws) in the Riyadh derby. More importantly, it handed a major boost to league leaders Al-Ittihad, who remain ahead in the title race.
Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Form
Ronaldo’s double took his league tally to 21 goals this season, solidifying his position as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer. The win also ended his personal drought against Al-Hilal, securing his first-ever competitive victory over the Blue Waves in a league fixture.
The Riyadh derby lived up to its billing, with Ronaldo proving decisive yet again. As the Saudi Pro League title race heats up, Al-Nassr’s resurgence adds another thrilling twist to the season.
