Ronaldo's Second‑Half Hat‑Trick Propels Al‑Nassr to 5‑3 Win, Coach Postecoglou Wishes He’d Scored Fourth
Ronaldo shines as Al‑Nassr overturns early deficit against Al‑Kholood
In a thrilling Saudi Pro League encounter at Al‑Awwal Park, Al‑Nassr secured a 5‑3 victory over Al‑Kholood thanks to a rapid three‑goal burst from veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon turned a 2‑2 stalemate at halftime into a dominant display, netting three times in just 15 minutes and nudging his career total to 985 official senior goals.
First‑half seesaw and a frantic start
The match began with Al‑Kholood taking the initiative. Julien Domingues opened the scoring in the 16th minute after connecting with a cross from Abdulrahman Al‑Dawsari, putting the visitors ahead. Al‑Nassr answered swiftly; Angelo Gabriel finished a quick one‑two with João Félix to level the score in the 24th minute. Six minutes later, Sadio Mané restored the lead for the home side, only for Antoine Essomba to equalise in stoppage time, leaving the teams deadlocked at 2‑2 at the break.
Ronaldo’s decisive second‑half onslaught
Ronaldo had already seen an early chance dismissed for off‑side, but the setback did not dampen his resolve. The second half belonged to the 41‑year‑old. In the 66th minute, João Félix delivered a low cut‑back inside the box that Ronaldo calmly slotted home. Six minutes later, a precise delivery from another Portuguese teammate found Ronaldo’s head, and he rose to meet it, directing a powerful header past the keeper. The hat‑trick was completed in the 81st minute when Mané’s quick transition created space, allowing Ronaldo to finish cleanly.
Al‑Kholood managed a consolation penalty through Domingues late in the game, but Al‑Nassr held firm to claim all three points.
Milestones and records
- Ronaldo’s tally now stands at 985 senior goals, putting him just 15 shy of the coveted 1,000‑goal mark.
- The hat‑trick represents his 67th career three‑goal haul and his seventh since joining Al‑Nassr in January 2023.
- With 131 goals for Al‑Nassr, he has eclipsed Mohammed Al‑Sahlawi’s former club record of 124, cementing his status as the Saudi outfit’s all‑time leading scorer.
Postecoglou’s praise and a hint of regret
After the final whistle, manager Ange Postecoglou gathered his squad and singled out the Portuguese captain for special commendation. While lauding Ronaldo’s contribution, the Australian coach playfully remarked that the night could have been even more memorable had the forward added a fourth goal to his haul.
Postecoglou also highlighted the team’s resilience, noting that despite a shaky start and conceding an early equaliser, the players quickly corrected their mistakes, displayed immense spirit, and secured the win.
Looking ahead
Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of the 1,000‑goal milestone continues to capture global attention, and his impact on Al‑Nassr remains undeniable. As the Saudi season progresses, the veteran’s ability to deliver decisive moments against a variety of opponents will be a key factor in the club’s title ambitions.
For now, the 5‑3 triumph against Al‑Kholood serves as a reminder that, even in his early forties, Cristiano Ronaldo can still turn a game on its head and provide fans with moments worth remembering.
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