Ronaldo Brace Lifts Al-Nassr to Top of Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to propel Al-Nassr to a 4-0 victory over Al-Hazem on Saturday, reclaiming the top spot in the Saudi Pro League and prompting the Portuguese forward to reaffirm his commitment to staying in the kingdom.

The 41-year-old, returning from a three-game absence, opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a composed finish from a tight angle, assisted by Kingsley Coman. The goal, initially flagged for offside, was upheld after a video review. Coman added a second for Al-Nassr in the 30th minute, sliding in a low cross from Joao Felix. Angelo Nunes extended the lead in the 77th minute with a determined run and finish, before Ronaldo sealed his brace two minutes later, powering a shot into the net from the left side of the box following another Coman layoff. Ronaldo, who hit the woodwork and had two other efforts ruled out for offside, finished with five shots on target and dominated Al-Nassr's attack.

The win marked Al-Nassr's eighth consecutive league victory and their sixth clean sheet in a row, lifting them one point clear of Al-Hilal, who drew 1-1 with Al-Ittihad in a simultaneous Riyadh derby. Al-Ahli sit two points back in third, while Al-Qadsiah...