Ronaldo inspires Al-Nassr win with remarkable hat-trick against Al-Tai, opens gap in Golden Boot race

Ronaldo inspires Al-Nassr win with remarkable hat-trick against Al-Tai, opens gap in Golden Boot race

Faruq Ibrahim 00:14 - 31.03.2024

Cristiano Ronaldo continues his dominance over all strikers in the Saudi Pro League, as he increased his season's tally and lead at the top of the Golden Boot log with a hat-trick over Al-Tai.

A dominant second-half performance from Cristiano Ronaldo added authority to Al Nassr's victory over Al-Tai, with the Portugal international scoring a hat-trick in under 30 minutes.

The league title is all but lost for the Faris Najd, given the ridiculous points difference behind leaders Al-Hilal, but Ronaldo is still actively in the Golden Boot race against Aleksandar Mitrovic, and his treble on the night further improved his tally.

Ronaldo's hat-trick took his league tally to 26 goals and despite Mitrovic scoring a brace in Al-Hilal's win over Al-Shabab, he trails Cristiano by four goals.

How it happened

The goalscoring began with Al Nassr taking the lead in the 20th minute through Otavio's long ball, which found the net despite a missed attempt by Brozovic. However, Al Tai quickly equalised thanks to an exceptional finish by Misidjan.

Al Tai's hopes were dashed when Misidjan received a second yellow card in the 36th minute, reducing them to 10 men. Al Nassr seized the advantage, with Ghareeb scoring just before halftime off a cross from Sadio Mane.

Ronaldo took centre stage in the second half, scoring his first goal in the 64th minute after a precise cross from Mane. He followed up with two more goals, including an easy tap-in and a header, completing his 64th career hat trick in style.

Al Nassr's victory solidifies their position in second place in the league standings, trailing leader Al Hilal by nine points. Their next challenge awaits against Abha in the Saudi Pro League.

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