In a thrilling 12th-round fixture of the Saudi Pro League, Al-Nassr secured a 5:3 victory against Al-Khulood at home. Veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly spearheaded the attack, bagging a crucial hat-trick that brings him ever closer to the coveted milestone of 1,000 career goals, with only 15 goals remaining to reach the historic figure.

The match began on a frustrating note for the 41-year-old Portuguese star, who found the back of the net twice in the first half only for both efforts to be disallowed for offside. Al-Khulood drew first blood through Julien Dominges in the 16th minute, before Angelo and Sadio Mane turned the tide for the hosts. However, Loik Essomba leveled the score right before halftime, making it 2:2.

The second half belonged entirely to Ronaldo, who erupted with three goals in a span of 15 minutes. Scoring in the 66th, 72nd, and 81st minutes, he secured his 67th career hat-trick and cemented Al-Nassr's dominance. A late penalty converted by Dominges in stoppage time finalized the score at 5:3.

Meanwhile, compatriot Joao Felix delivered an exceptional performance, providing four assists during the match to support the European regime-backed club's ongoing campaign. Observers remain critical of Al-Nassr's defensive lapses, yet the spotlight firmly remains on Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of history.

Source: kun.uz