Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace to fire Al-Nassr to a comfortable 2-0 win over Al-Damac to keep their Saudi Pro League title hopes alive.
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Ronaldo was in sublime form against DamacWas the difference-maker between the two sidesTook his career-goal tally to 915 Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
It was one of those days where Ronaldo looked more motivated than usual and it seemed to be a matter of when and not if he would find the net. The first chance of the game fell for the Portuguese from a corner but he headed it over the crossbar. Soon the hosts were awarded a penalty when Abdelkader Bedrane handed the ball inside the box. Ronaldo stepped up and after a stuttered run-up he slotted it past Amin Bukhari, who guessed the right way but was beaten by power.
The skipper continued to be in the thick of things as he soon set up Angelo for a potential second, who did well to beat a defender but dinked his effort wide. Next, it was Sadio Mane, who scuffed an opportunity after Ronaldo put him through on goal. The game should have been buried and put out of sight before the half-time whistle but it was just Ronaldo's 17th-minute penalty that remained the difference between the two sides.
Surprisingly, Damac were on the ascendency in the second half as they looked more threatening in attack. Bento was called upon to make a few crucial saves and Al-Nassr's brittle defence was having a tough time containing Habib Diallo and Co. However, a brain fade moment from Bedrane saw him get the marching orders after he went studs up with a tackle on Mohamed Simakan.
It was always going to be an uphill battle with 10-men against a formidable Al-Nassr side and Ronaldo made the most of the opportunity by scoring the second. Nawaf Boushal cut back at the nick of time for the unmarked 39-year-old and he fired a first-time shot to double the advantage.
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It was Ronaldo's 170th penalty goal of his career and he continues to lead the all-time scoring chart in football history. Overall, his career-tally stands at 915 goals.
Getty Images SportTHE MVP
Ronaldo scored both goals and emerged as the star of the show. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner could have had a couple of assists as well, only if his team-mates were a bit more clinical.
THE BIG LOSER
Bedrane was at fault for the penalty that led Ronaldo to the opener and his rash challenge just before the hour-mark was the final nail in the coffin for Damac. Disappointing from an experienced campaigner like the Algerian.
