The Portugal captain led the hosts’ response after a fiercely contested first half ended 2-2. João Félix was instrumental in the victory, providing four assists as Al Nassr extended their winning run and strengthened their position in the league title race.
Al Kholood strike first
Al Kholood stunned the home supporters by taking the lead in the 16th minute through Julien Domingues, who finished after being set up by Al Dawsari.
Al Nassr responded eight minutes later when Ângelo found the net following a pass from João Félix. The hosts then turned the game around in the 38th minute as Sadio Mané scored to make it 2-1, again with Félix providing the assist.
However, Al Kholood refused to surrender. Loïc Essomba struck in stoppage time at the end of the first half, restoring parity at 2-2 and setting up an intriguing second period.
Ronaldo takes charge after the break
Al Nassr emerged with greater attacking intent after half-time, and Ronaldo delivered when his team needed him most.
The forward put the hosts ahead in the 66th minute after receiving another assist from João Félix. Six minutes later, Ronaldo struck again, heading home from Félix’s delivery to extend Al Nassr’s advantage to 4-2.
Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute, finishing a move created by Mané to give Al Nassr a commanding 5-2 lead.
The three goals underlined the Portuguese forward’s enduring importance to the Saudi club as they continued their push for domestic honours.
Domingues scores late consolation
Al Kholood continued to fight until the final whistle and were rewarded in stoppage time when Domingues converted a penalty in the 90th minute plus four.
The late goal reduced the deficit to 5-3, but it could not change the outcome as Al Nassr held on to claim all three points.
Al Nassr maintain title challenge
The victory continued Al Nassr’s strong league form and moved them to 28 points, level with Al-Qadsiah at the top of the standings at the time of the match, with Al-Qadsiah having played one game more.
Al Nassr will now turn their attention to their next fixture as they seek to maintain their momentum in the Saudi Pro League and across competitions.
Match details
• Competition: Saudi Pro League
• Result: Al Nassr 5-3 Al Kholood
• Al Nassr: Ângelo 24', Sadio Mané 38', Cristiano Ronaldo 66', 72', 81'
• Al Kholood: Julien Domingues 16', 90+4' (pen), Loïc Essomba 45+2'
• Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh
• Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026