Al Nassr quickly recovered their winning form, just four days after a loss to Al Ittihad cost them the top spot in the Saudi Pro League. Playing at home in Al-Awwal Park, Ronaldo took an active role from the start. In the sixth minute, he had a left-footed shot that went wide of the goal. Nine minutes later, the Al Nassr captain was involved in a counter-attack, delivering a cross to Abdullah Al-Hamdan, whose shot was unsuccessful.

Ronaldo capitalized on his second opportunity in the 22nd minute. From a corner kick, Angelo sent a cross into the penalty area. Ronaldo positioned himself, leaped highest, and headed the ball towards the top left corner. The ball hit the post before entering the net, opening the scoring for Al Nassr. He then ran to the corner of the field, performing his signature spinning celebration.

Ronaldo celebrates with his signature spin after scoring the opening goal in Al Nassr's 2-1 victory over Abha in round 6 of the Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the evening of 9/9. Photo: Al Nassr

This goal marked Ronaldo's 979th career goal, leaving him just 21 goals shy of the 1,000-goal milestone. He could potentially achieve this target during the 2026-2027 season.

After opening the scoring, Ronaldo actively sought a second goal. In the 38th minute, he received the ball with his back to the goal, turned, and fired a powerful shot towards the far corner, but the ball struck the post. Just one minute later, Ronaldo had another chance from a corner kick. Al-Hamdan headed the ball back to him, but his subsequent shot was cleared off the goal line by the Abha defense.

In the second half, Ronaldo maintained pressure on the opposing goal. In the 49th minute, he attempted a direct free kick, which went wide to the right. One minute later, Ronaldo took another shot from outside the penalty area, but the Abha goalkeeper saved it.

Ronaldo's goal. Video: Al Nassr Tribune

Ronaldo had another clear opportunity in the 88th minute. He received a pass from Nawaf Al-Boushail and took a long-range shot. This time, goalkeeper Donovan Leon made a diving save. Ronaldo was unable to complete a brace, despite having directed the ball towards Abha's goal multiple times. In total, he took 8 shots in the match.

Al Nassr scored their second goal in the 58th minute through forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan. They then endured a tense final few minutes as Abha narrowed the score. However, Ronaldo's early goal proved decisive in setting the foundation for the 2-1 victory.

After six rounds, Al Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Qadsiah are tied at the top of the league with 15 points. In the next round, Ronaldo and his teammates will play an away match against Al Khaleej on the evening of 12/9.

Xuan Binh