Al Kholood vs Al-Nassr: Ronaldo on target as Faris Najd capitalise on Al Hilal's slip up in title race

Cristiano Ronaldo struck first as Al Nassr produced a commanding second-half display to dispatch Al Kholood 3–0 away and strengthen their Saudi Pro League title push.

The visitors dominated proceedings at Ar-Rass Stadium on Friday night, with Ronaldo, João Félix and Kingsley Coman orchestrating a polished attacking performance that overwhelmed a struggling Al Kholood side chasing survival.

The victory helped Faris Najd cut their deficit behind Al Hilal to three points, after the Blue Waves suffered their second consecutive draw in the 2-2 clash against Al-Qadsiah.

Al Nassr controlled possession from the opening exchanges, with João Félix dictating the tempo as early chances fell to Sadio Mané and Ronaldo, both denied by resolute defending and sharp goalkeeping. 

Al Nassr thought they had broken the deadlock midway through the first half, but the goal was immediately flagged offside, keeping the contest goalless at the interval.

The breakthrough finally arrived two minutes after the restart in the 47th minute when João Félix cut the ball back into Ronaldo’s path, The Portuguese finished calmly beyond the onrushing goalkeeper for his 961st career goal.

Al Nassr doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute as centre-back Mohamed Simakan rose highest to power home a commanding header from Félix’s inswinging cross, punishing Al Kholood’s failure to deal with sustained pressure.

The hosts’ resistance collapsed further when their captain was dismissed following a reckless challenge on Coman, leaving them numerically disadvantaged for the closing stages. Moments later, Coman himself made the points safe in the 87th minute, winning and converting a penalty after being bundled over inside the area, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to cap a ruthless attacking display.

Despite late attempts by Al Kholood to salvage pride, Al Nassr remained in full control, seeing out the closing minutes comfortably to complete a dominant victory.