RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo delivered on and off the pitch Saturday night — scoring twice, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day in a traditional bisht, and reaffirming his commitment to the Kingdom — as Al Nassr returned to the top of the Roshn Saudi League.Ronaldo struck once in each half of a commanding 4-0 home victory against Al Hazem at Al Awwal Park, both goals assisted by Kingsley Coman.The result, combined with Al Hilal’s draw with Al Ittihad in the Saudi Clasico, lifted Al Nassr back to first place for the first time in 10 rounds.“We created so many chances,” Ronaldo said after the match. “We should score more, but we won — that is the most important. Without conceding goals again. I’m very happy with the result and, of course, for the goals.”The victory marked Al Nassr’s eighth consecutive league win.Remarkably, they have not conceded in their past six matches — a defensive run that has reshaped the title race heading into the final stretch.After Matchweek 23, Al Nassr lead the table by one point ahead of Al Hilal. Al Ahli sit two points back in third, while Al Qadsiah trail by four in fourth.Ronaldo’s brace took his tally to 20 league goals this season, moving him within one of Julián Quiñones and three behind current Golden Boot leader Ivan Toney.The Portuguese forward is chasing a third successive scoring crown.At full time, Ronaldo celebrated in front of the home fans wearing a bisht in tribute to Founding Day — a moment that blended football with national pride.“I belong to Saudi Arabia,” he said. “It’s a country that welcomed me very well — me, my family and my friends. I’m happy here. I want to continue here.“The most important thing is we keep pushing. We are at the top. Our job is to win and put pressure on our rivals. Game by game. We are confident. Let’s see what’s going to happen.”Later, Ronaldo posted on social media: “Back where we belong. Now back to work.”
RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo delivered on and off the pitch Saturday night — scoring twice, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day in a traditional bisht, and reaffirming his commitment to the Kingdom — as Al Nassr returned to the top of the Roshn Saudi League.Ronaldo struck once in each half of a commanding 4-0 home victory against Al Hazem at Al Awwal Park, both goals assisted by Kingsley Coman.The result, combined with Al Hilal’s draw with Al Ittihad in the Saudi Clasico, lifted Al Nassr back to first place for the first time in 10 rounds.“We created so many chances,” Ronaldo said after the match. “We should score more, but we won — that is the most important. Without conceding goals again. I’m very happy with the result and, of course, for the goals.”The victory marked Al Nassr’s eighth consecutive league win.Remarkably, they have not conceded in their past six matches — a defensive run that has reshaped the title race heading into the final stretch.After Matchweek 23, Al Nassr lead the table by one point ahead of Al Hilal. Al Ahli sit two points back in third, while Al Qadsiah trail by four in fourth.Ronaldo’s brace took his tally to 20 league goals this season, moving him within one of Julián Quiñones and three behind current Golden Boot leader Ivan Toney.The Portuguese forward is chasing a third successive scoring crown.At full time, Ronaldo celebrated in front of the home fans wearing a bisht in tribute to Founding Day — a moment that blended football with national pride.“I belong to Saudi Arabia,” he said. “It’s a country that welcomed me very well — me, my family and my friends. I’m happy here. I want to continue here.“The most important thing is we keep pushing. We are at the top. Our job is to win and put pressure on our rivals. Game by game. We are confident. Let’s see what’s going to happen.”Later, Ronaldo posted on social media: “Back where we belong. Now back to work.”
