Cristiano Ronaldo led Saudi giants Al Nassr to a dominant 5-1 victory over reigning Asian champions Al Ain of UAE in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday.
The Portuguese forward, without a goal in his last three matches, netted the second goal for the hosts at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh.
Al Nassr’s Ronaldo pounces on rebound
Sadio Mane’s long-range effort forced a fumble from Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa, allowing Ronaldo to score from close range at the half-hour mark.
The goal restored Ronaldo’s scoring form and boosted Al Nassr’s momentum.
Meanwhile, The win keeps Al Nassr unbeaten in the rebranded AFC Champions League Elite, placing them third in the 12-team West Asia standings.
Al Hilal and Al Ahli lead the table, but the top eight teams advance to the knockout stage.
Al Nassr took control early, with Brazilian midfielder Anderson Talisca scoring the opener just five minutes in.
Talisca’s low strike from the edge of the box beat Essa to give Al Nassr a 1-0 lead.
Gabriel and Mane combine for third
Seven minutes after Ronaldo’s goal, Angelo Gabriel, signed from Chelsea, set up a crucial play.
He exchanged passes with Mane before his deflected shot looped over Essa, which resulted in an own goal by Fabio Cardoso.
Al Ain responded in the second half when Park Yong-woo’s shot hit the post and bounced off Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento for an own goal.
This brought the score to 3-1, giving Al Ain brief hope.
Brazilian teenager Wesley extended Al Nassr’s lead with a curling shot eight minutes from time.
Talisca then added his second goal deep into stoppage time, completing the 5-1 rout.
Al Ain now sit at the bottom of the West Asia standings with just one point from four matches.
Manager Hernan Crespo faces mounting pressure after guiding the team to an Asian title just months ago.
