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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Al-Nassr win 3-1 over Al-Hilal</li><li>Ronaldo scores twice for Al-Nassr</li><li>Al-Nassr inch closer to Al-Hilal</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Cristiano Ronaldo strikes twice for Al-Nassr as Stefano Pioli's men close in on Al-Hilal with win against Saudi Pro League rivals

Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal

Al-Orobah FC

Al Akhdoud

Al Nassr FC

<p>Al-Nassr are certain that they cannot challenge Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad for the title. However, Al-Hilal, their rivals on Friday night, continue to snap on the heels of the league leaders with just 10 matchdays remaining. As such, Stefano Pioli's side knew that beating their bitter city rivals at the Kingdom Arena would end Al-Hilal's hunt to defend their Saudi Pro League title.</p><p>Al-Hilal started the clash off strong as they tested Al-Nassr keeper Bento on two occasions in the first five minutes, however, the visitors soon wrestled back control but failed to threaten the Blue Waves' goal. Al-Nassr then had a slight moment of terror after Cristiano Ronaldo hit the turf with a shoulder injury and stayed down for an extended period, however, the Portuguese superstar endured the pain to continue playing. Former Aston Villa star Jhon Duran then had a perfect moment to give Faris Najd a first-half lead as they countered, but the Colombian was unable to test Yassine Bounou as he slashed his shot over the bar. The game remained tied at 0-0, and it looked like the game would enter the half-time break level. However, Al-Nassr's Ali Al-Hassan had other plans as he curled a perfect shot past Bono from a short corner to give the visitors the lead at half-time.</p><p>Al-Nassr doubled their lead in the early moments of the second half after Sadio Mane's blitzing run through the midfield left the defence trying to fight back. The Senegalese then found Ronaldo with a perfect pass, who slid the ball past a stranded Bono. However, the Blue Waves had their way back into the game after Ali Albulayhi connected with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's headed pass. Al-Hilal then took control of the clash, much to Pioli's dismay as they dominated possession and only allowed the visitors chances on the counter. However, a handball from Al-Hilal defender Moteb Al-Harbi gave Al-Nassr a spot kick, which was coolly slotted by Ronaldo to give them a comfortable 3-1 win away to Al-Hilal.</p>

TELL ME MORE

<p>As it always is, <strong>Ronaldo</strong> was impeccable in front of the goal for Al-Nassr as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored the visitors' second and third goals of the night. While the Portugal star did not have a spectacular night, he was responsible for Faris Njad pulling away from Al-Hilal on two occasions.</p>

THE MVP

<p>It was supposed to be the perfect match for Aleksandar Mitrovic as he looked to trump Ronaldo to show the five-time Ballon d'Or winner who was the best striker in the league. However, the Serbian was not present for Al-Hilal as he failed to hold up play for Jorge Jesus' side and fluffed his lines twice in front of Al-Nassr's goal.</p>

THE BIG LOSER

<p>Al-Nassr will now look to take their form into their next Saudi Pro League clash when Pioli's side take on Al-Riyadh on Saturday, April 12. They will now continue to try and pull away from Al Qadsiyah to attain the final AFC Champions League qualification spot.</p>

WHAT COMES NEXT?

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐

Cristiano Ronaldo strikes twice for Al-Nassr as Stefano Pioli's men close in on Al-Hilal with win against Saudi Pro League rivals | Goal.com

Al-Nassr beat Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal 3-1 thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo brace as Stefano Pioli&apos;s men breeze past the defending champions.

Cristiano Ronaldo strikes twice for Al-Nassr as Stefano Pioli&apos;s men close in on Al-Hilal with win against Saudi Pro League rivals

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