Al Nassr extend lead with Ronaldo, Mane brilliance

KATHMANDU: Al Nassr strengthened their grip at the top of the Saudi Pro League with an emphatic 5–2 victory over Al Najma, opening up a six-point lead in the title race.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané starred for Al Nassr, each scoring twice in a commanding performance.

Al Najma made a bright start, taking the lead in the 44th minute when Rakan Al Tulaihi converted a pass from Felipe Cardoso.

However, Al Nassr responded before the break. Abdullah Al Hamdan equalised, before Mané fired them ahead to make it 2–1 at half-time.

Cardoso struck again early in the second half to level the score at 2–2, but the momentum quickly shifted.

Ronaldo restored Al Nassr’s lead from the penalty spot in the 56th minute, before adding his second goal in the 73rd minute to put the result beyond doubt.

The Portuguese forward, playing his 100th league match, has now scored 97 goals in the competition—39 more than second-placed Abderrazak Hamdallah.

Mané sealed the win deep into injury time with his second goal, capping a dominant display.

The victory moves Al Nassr to 70 points from 27 matches, six ahead of Al Hilal, who have played one game fewer, while Al Najma remain rooted to the bottom of the table.