[[{“value”:”
Cristiano Ronaldo spearheaded Al-Nassr to long-awaited glory on Thursday night, scoring twice in a decisive 4-1 victory over Damac to secure the Saudi Pro League championship. The triumph marks the club`s first major piece of silverware since the 41-year-old Portuguese icon arrived in Riyadh more than three years ago.
The title celebration capped off a monumental week for the veteran forward, coming just two days after he was named in Portugal`s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This selection sets up a historic sixth appearance at the tournament.
Al-Nassr’s victory successfully held on to the top of the table, finishing just two points ahead of cross-town rivals Al-Hilal. Despite completing the entire 34-game league season unbeaten, Al-Hilal had to settle for second place.
Ronaldo`s second-half brace took his impressive league tally to 28 goals for the campaign. His display added to earlier goals from Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman, which had already put Al-Nassr in control of the match.
The victory marks Al-Nassr’s 11th domestic league title and its league crown since 2019. This is also Ronaldo`s first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia from Manchester United in December 2022, after 18 months with the `Red Devils`.
Al Nassr cruised past Damac to win the title
Al-Nassr broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Sadio Mané rose highest to meet a well-placed corner from João Félix, powering a firm header past the Damac goalkeeper.
The hosts doubled their advantage shortly after the interval in the 52nd minute. Kingsley Coman showcased brilliant footwork to weave his way through the opposition defence before unleashing a fierce, left-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom corner.
Damac briefly threatened a comeback when Morlaye Sylla converted a penalty in the 58th minute to reduce the deficit. However, Ronaldo quickly restored Al-Nassr’s two-goal cushion just five minutes later with a stunning free-kick.
The Portuguese star then sealed the result in the 81st minute, pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area and rifling a powerful shot into the top corner to confirm his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia.
(With AP inputs)
“}]]
