Ighalo's brace powers Al-Hilal past Ronaldo's Al-Nassr

Odion Ighalo continued his talismanic goalscoring for Al Hilal this season, as his brace helped the Blue Waves to a crucial victory over Al-Nassr. 

Al-Hilal hosted the Faris Najd at the King Fahd International Stadium as they looked to close the gap to those at the top of the table. In a tightly contested encounter, the host's Nigerian striker made a big difference, as he hit twice to move them within seven points of their opponents, who sit in second place.  

The game took a while to get into rhythm, but once it did, the hosts assumed a position of dominance but did not have it all their way, as their guests also looked dangerous in transitions.  

However, al-Hilal will get the first goal in the game from the penalty spot. Ace striker Odion Ighalo stepped up, and he made no mistake picking his spot on the right side of the goal as goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi dived the wrong way. 

The second goal of the game came in the 62nd minute, also from the penalty spot, and like the first attempt, Ighalo picked the same spot and Al-Aqidi flew in the other direction. 

Al-Nassr's ace, Ronaldo, thought he had been handed a chance to affect the game from the penalty spot as well, but following a VAR review, the penalty awarded by the referee was overturned. 

The brace for the former Manchester United striker takes his season tally from 16 to 18 goals.  

This means he is now outrightly the top goalscorer in the Saudi Professional League, surpassing Ronaldo's teammate Anderson Talisca, with whom they were tied on 16 goals.