The match at King Saud University Stadium on the evening of 29/4 was significant for the championship race. Al Nassr, leading the league with 76 points, was 6 points ahead of Al Ahli with 5 rounds remaining in the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo headed in the opening goal during Al Nassr's two-nil victory over Al Ahli in round 30 of the Saudi Pro League on 29/4. Photo: Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo headed in the opening goal during Al Nassr's two-nil victory over Al Ahli in round 30 of the Saudi Pro League on 29/4. Photo: Al Nassr

Al Ahli had recently defended their AFC Champions League Elite title and featured many stars who previously played in Europe, including former Man City striker Riyad Mahrez, former AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, former Roma defender Roger Ibanez, former Juventus midfielder Merih Demiral, and former Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

However, with the support of their home fans, Al Nassr dominated the game. They maintained 54% possession, taking 7 shots with 4 on target, compared to Al Ahli's 4 shots and 2 on target.

The turning point arrived in the 76th minute when the home side earned a corner kick on the left wing. Joao Felix lofted the ball into the penalty area, allowing his compatriot Ronaldo to position himself and head it into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Edouard Mendy rooted to the spot.

Ronaldo scored his 970th career goal, moving closer to the 1,000-goal milestone. In the Saudi Pro League this season, the Portuguese striker has 25 goals, trailing Ivan Toney (27) and Julian Quinones (28).

In the final minute of regular play, Kingsley Coman volleyed the ball into the roof of the net from inside the box, securing a two-nil victory. This result extended Al Nassr's winning streak to 20 matches and brought them closer to the Pro League championship. They currently lead with 79 points, 8 points ahead of Al Hilal, and have played one more match with 4 rounds remaining in the league.

Al Nassr will also compete in the AFC Champions League Two final against Japanese club Gamba Osaka on 16/5. This presents an opportunity for Ronaldo to secure his first titles with Al Nassr.

As Ronaldo was being interviewed after the match, many Al Ahli fans booed and provoked him with the chant, "We have two AFC Champions League titles." Ronaldo responded by raising 5 fingers, alluding to his five Champions League titles won while playing in Europe: one with Man Utd (2008) and 4 with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018).

By Hong Duy