In a thrilling encounter in the 26th round of the Saudi Arabian Pro League, Al-Nassr claimed a significant away victory against rivals Al-Hilal, finishing the match with a score of 3-1 on April 4, 2025. This match marked Cristiano Ronaldo's first-ever victory over Al-Hilal, breaking a streak of five losses and two draws against the formidable side.
The game kicked off with Al-Hilal taking the lead when Ali Al-Hassan scored in stoppage time of the first half. Al-Hassan executed a precise curling shot into the top corner after a well-timed corner kick. The goal seemed to set the tone for a challenging match for Al-Nassr, but they responded with determination.
Just two minutes into the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo doubled Al-Nassr's advantage, showcasing his scoring prowess yet again. The Portuguese superstar connected with a low cross from Sadio Mane, expertly tapping the ball into the net. This goal not only put Al-Nassr ahead but also marked the 930th goal of Ronaldo's illustrious professional career.
Despite being down, Al-Hilal refused to back down and fought to get back into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Ali Al-Bulaihi found the back of the net. After a corner from Salem Al-Dawsari and a clever assist from Sergej Milinković-Savić, Al-Bulaihi capitalized on a close-range opportunity to pull one back for Al-Hilal, making the score 2-1.
As the match progressed, the tension built, with both teams vying for control. The decisive moment came late in the game when a controversial incident led to a penalty for Al-Nassr. In the 84th minute, Moteb Al-Harbi was brought down in the box following a challenge from an Al-Hilal defender. The referee, after consulting VAR, awarded the penalty, confirming the foul.
With the clock ticking down, Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty. In the 88th minute, he confidently slotted the ball down the center of the goal, leaving Al-Hilal's goalkeeper, Yassir Bunu, diving in the wrong direction. This goal marked Ronaldo's 931st career goal and sealed the victory for Al-Nassr, who finished the match with a 3-1 scoreline.
This victory was not just crucial for the points but also significant for Al-Nassr's standing in the league. With this win, they reduced the gap to Al-Hilal to three points, although they still remain in third place. Al-Hilal holds onto the second position in the league standings, while Al-Ittihad continues to lead with 61 points.
Fans of Al-Nassr celebrated the win, as it not only showcased their team's resilience but also highlighted Ronaldo's continued impact in the league. After the match, Ronaldo expressed his excitement, noting, "It feels great to finally get a win against Al-Hilal. The team played exceptionally well, and we showed our determination to succeed. This victory is a testament to our hard work and commitment to the season."
As the season progresses, Al-Nassr will be looking to build on this momentum, aiming to challenge for the top spot in the league. With formidable players like Ronaldo and Mane, they have the talent and capability to make a significant push as the championship race heats up.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal will need to regroup and reassess their strategy as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. The rivalry between these two teams adds an exciting dimension to the league, and fans can expect more thrilling matches in the future.
As both teams look ahead, the stakes are high, and every match counts in this competitive league. The battle for supremacy in the Saudi Arabian Pro League is far from over, and with the thrilling performances we've seen so far, fans are in for an exhilarating ride.
