Cristiano Ronaldo scored a long-range free-kick as Al Nassr came from behind to beat Abha 2-1 in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

The effort broke a three-game scoreless streak for the Portuguese forward, and was his first at home for his new club.

The win moves them to within a point of league-leaders Al Ittihad, with both sides having played 21 matches.

Ten Hag praises Rashford persistence as Man Utd forward beats Ronaldo recordTen Hag praises Rashford persistence as Man Utd forward beats Ronaldo record

The visitors made most of the running in the first period, and Amine Atouchi had a goal ruled out for offside before Abdulfattah Adam struck.

Adam – on loan from Al Nassr to Abha – powered an effort into the roof of the net with 26 minutes gone following a lax clearance from Alvaro Gonzalez.

Ronaldo had a sight at goal just before half time but his header was tame and straight at Devis Epassy, and the hosts went to the interval trailing.

Just as it looked as though Al Nassr would lose ground to Al Ittihad in the title race, who had won 5-1 against Al Fateh earlier in the day, Ronaldo struck.

The 38-year-old thundered a ferocious free-kick from 30+ yards past Epassy to level matters after 78 minutes.

And when Abha's Zakaria Al Sudani received his second yellow from referee Fernando Andrés moments later, Al Nassr ramped up the pressure once more.

And that pressure paid dividends on 85 minutes when VAR spotted a handball in the area. Ronaldo handed the ball to Anderson Talisca, who held his nerve to take his tally for the season to 14 goals in 21 games.

The result means that Al Nassr remain one point behind Al Ittihad at the top of the table.

Source: eurosport.com

BDST: 1127 HRS, MAR 19, 2023
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