Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Al-Nassr’s 2-1 win over Al-Tai to extend their unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Al-Nassr had a disastrous start to the campaign and many believed the Riyadh giants were out of the title race after losing their opening two games.
However, Luis Castro’s side made an incredible turnaround in form, winning all of their following matches while scoring 32 goals in the process.
Their away victory over Al-Tai confirmed Al-Nassr’s status as title challengers as they moved two points within leaders Al-Hilal in the standings.
Ronaldo’s side had a rampant start and the Portuguese almost opened the scoring after eight minutes following a sublime combination play with Sadio Mane but his effort was saved and eventually cleared away from danger.
The 38-year-old was denied once again from close range three minutes later as Al-Tai goalkeeper Victor Braga pulled off an incredible save to keep the scoreline level.
It took Al-Nassr 32 minutes to find the opening goal of the game with Anderson Talisca’s half-volley the visitors into the lead.
Despite their advantage, Al-Nassr were frustrated after missing a number of clear-cut chances in the first half to secure a two-goal cushion.
Al-Tai added to their woes after the break and scored a late equaliser through Virgil Misidjan, who calmly finished past Nayef Al-Aqidi in the 78th minute.
Five minutes later, the referee awarded Al-Nassr a penalty for a handball on Al-Tai’s skipper Alfa Semedo inside the box.
Having grabbed the assist for the first goal, Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick and converted successfully to score his tenth this season and give Al-Nassr all three points.