Riyadh, April 5, 2025 – In a high-octane Saudi Pro League encounter at Kingdom Arena, Cristiano Ronaldo fired two goals and Ali Al-Hassan netted a stunning strike to help Al-Nassr register a crucial 3-1 win against fierce rivals Al-Hilal in the latest Riyadh Derby. The result narrows Al-Nassr’s gap at the top of the league table to just three points behind Al-Hilal.
Ali Al-Hassan Opens the Scoring with Thunderous Strike
The game began with both sides showing attacking intent and high energy. Al-Nassr’s midfielder Ali Al-Hassan, aged 28, opened the scoring in first-half injury time (45+4′) with a sensational long-range effort. After a short corner routine, Al-Hassan unleashed a powerful shot into the top-left corner, leaving the goalkeeper helpless and giving Al-Nassr a 1-0 lead at the break.
Ronaldo Returns from Injury Scare to Deliver
The first half had a brief scare for Al-Nassr when Cristiano Ronaldo exited the pitch with a shoulder injury in the 12th minute. However, after treatment, the Portuguese star returned and made a statement early in the second half. In the 47th minute, Sadio Mane led a blistering counter-attack and fed Ronaldo, who calmly slotted home to double the lead.
Al-Hilal Fight Back but Ronaldo Seals the Deal
Al-Hilal responded by increasing their possession and pressure. Defender Ali Al-Bulayhi brought his side back into the contest with a towering header from a corner. With the score at 2-1, the game remained intense.
However, Ronaldo put the match beyond reach in the dying minutes with a clinical penalty kick, securing his brace and sealing a 3-1 victory for Al-Nassr. This was Al-Nassr’s first Riyadh Derby win in three years, and a significant psychological boost in the title race.
League Standings and Title Implications
Following this win, Al-Nassr remain in third place with 54 points, just three points behind league leaders Al-Hilal. This result has tightened the title race, while Al-Hilal’s loss has cast doubts over their dominance in the final stretch of the season.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
