Ronaldo seemed to be playing at home, as the match was held at the 30,305-capacity Algarve Stadium in Portugal's Algarve region.

Cristiano Ronaldo leaps for a header during Al Nassr's 4-0 win against Rio Ave in Algarve, Portugal on 7/8. Photo: Al Nassr

Center-back Mohamed Simakan opened the scoring for Al Nassr in the 15th minute before Ronaldo took center stage. In the 44th minute, the Portuguese forward executed a one-touch pass to Joao Felix and then surged into the penalty box. Receiving the ball back from his compatriot, he fired a one-touch shot into the roof of Rio Ave's net, celebrating with his signature spinning jump.

Early in the second half, Al Nassr was awarded a penalty, but Ronaldo deferred to Sadio Mane. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward's weak shot to the right was easily saved by goalkeeper Cezary Miszta.

However, Miszta's subsequent errant throw-in gifted Al Nassr a counter-attacking opportunity. Wesley advanced near the touchline before crossing into the penalty area, where Ronaldo rose high to head the ball into the far corner, making it 3-0.

The Portuguese forward completed his impressive performance in the 68th minute. Felix was fouled inside the box, earning a penalty. From the spot, Ronaldo fired a powerful shot down the middle while the Rio Ave goalkeeper dived to the left, securing his hat-trick.

Immediately afterward, Ronaldo was substituted for Abdulrahman Ghareeb. As he left the field, the 40-year-old forward received a standing ovation and resounding cheers from the stands.

Ronaldo's hat-trick.

Under new manager Jorge Jesus, Al Nassr secured three consecutive pre-season friendly victories, defeating St. Johann 5-2, Toulouse 2-1, and now Rio Ave. Al Nassr also played a closed-door friendly, losing 0-1 to Estrela da Amadora, the 16th-ranked team in Portugal.

Ronaldo and his teammates will play their final friendly against Almeria at Estadio Mediterraneo, Spain on 11/8. Al Nassr will then begin their new season with the Arab Club Champions Cup semi-final against Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad on 19/8.

This presents Ronaldo with an opportunity to win his first official title in the Middle East. In 16 previous tournaments with Al Nassr, the 40-year-old forward has only secured the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, an exhibition tournament, after a 2-1 comeback victory against Al Hilal in the final. This tournament will not be held in 2024.

Hong Duy