Cristiano Ronaldo inspires Al Nassr to emphatic win over Al-Diriyah

Cristiano Ronaldo responded to the recent controversy surrounding him with the Portugal national team by scoring in Al Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Al-Diriyah in the Roshn Saudi League.

The Al Nassr captain opened the scoring as his side secured a convincing win at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Friday, in the eighth round of the competition.

Ronaldo had received strong support from the home supporters before kick-off. Fans chanted his name and displayed a banner dedicated to him following the recent dispute involving the forward and Jorge Jesus with the Portugal national team.

He repaid that backing in the 23rd minute, finishing from close range after a powerful effort from French winger Kingsley Coman had been saved by Al-Diriyah goalkeeper Walid Abdullah.

The rebound fell to Ronaldo with the goal unguarded, allowing him to put Al Nassr in front.

The hosts doubled their advantage 12 minutes later through another Portuguese player, midfielder Samu Costa.

Joao Felix delivered a corner into the penalty area, where Samu Costa rose to meet it and headed the ball past Walid Abdullah to make it 2-0.

Al Nassr continued to threaten after the interval and added a third goal in the 77th minute.

Coman completed the scoring after breaking clear and finding himself one-on-one with Walid Abdullah. The winger kept his composure to finish the move and extend Al Nassr’s lead.

The result moved Al Nassr on to 19 points and into second place in the Saudi league table, behind leaders Al-Qadsiah only on goal difference.

However, both Al Nassr and Al-Qadsiah could drop down the standings after Saturday’s Riyadh derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.

The two sides are due to meet at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, with victory potentially taking either club above the teams currently occupying the top two positions.