After suffering two consecutive losses, Al Nassr finally clinched their first three points of the Saudi League 2023-2024 season. Bolstered by the addition of center-back Aymeric Laporte and the $65 million midfielder Otavio, the visiting team showcased superior strength compared to the hosts, despite not fully unleashing their potential. Ronaldo and Sadio Mane each contributed five goals, with straightforward close-range finishes on the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium.
Following two goalless matches, Ronaldo shone brightly, netting four of the opening goals against the home team. In the 27th minute, he received a pass from Marcelo Brozovic and executed an exquisite backheel assist with a single touch that threaded through two opposing defenders’ legs, allowing Mane to sprint forward and slot the ball into the net. The away crowd erupted in celebration as Ronaldo and Mane shared a moment of jubilation, marking Ronaldo’s fourth assist of the year in 32 appearances across all competitions.
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Ronaldo’s standout performance came as he completed a hat-trick after six months, with all three goals originating from within the 5.5-meter box. In the 38th minute, defender Sultan Al Ghannam delivered a cross from the right, which Ronaldo headed into the net from about 4 meters away, escaping any markers. While he celebrated the first goal in a calm manner, the subsequent two goals were marked by a different tone.
In the 55th minute, midfielder Abdulrahman Ghareeb burst towards the goalkeeper but opted for a sideways pass, allowing Ronaldo to calmly tap the ball into the empty net. As the match reached its conclusion, Ayman Yahya delivered a precise cross to the near post for Ronaldo to comfortably complete his hat-trick. For both of these goals, he rushed to embrace the assisting players.
Ronaldo’s goals were a testament to his versatility, as he scored with his head, left foot, and right foot, completing a perfect hat-trick. The 38-year-old superstar extended his career record to 847 goals and 63 hat-tricks, all of which stand as 21st-century records. After the game, he sought the referee’s signature on the match ball, dedicated to the player who scored three goals.
Beyond his hat-trick and spontaneous assist, Ronaldo showcased his flair with a remarkable move in the 69th minute. He skillfully employed a “flip flap” technique reminiscent of Ronaldinho, shifting the ball to the right before swiftly flicking it in the opposite direction within the penalty area. Although he managed to evade his marker, the captain of Al Nassr was brought down without being awarded a penalty.
While Ronaldo stole the spotlight, Mane also earned praise with a brace. After heading in his second goal in the 81st minute, the Senegalese forward mimicked Ronaldo’s celebratory jump and turn. Mane then shared a smile with CR7 as he headed towards him. Midfielder Brozovic continued to dictate Al Nassr’s midfield play, as most of their attacking moves flowed through the Croatian player’s feet.
With their inaugural win, Al Nassr rose to the 10th position in the Saudi League standings. The league currently has only two undefeated teams: Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. In their next fixture, Al Nassr will return to their home ground to face Al Shabab.
