Cristiano Ronaldo closes in on 1,000 goals with brace in Al Nassr comeback win

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to place no limits on his goal-scoring legacy after reaching 967 career goals in his latest appearance for Al Nassr on Friday. The Portuguese superstar returned from injury and delivered exactly when his team needed him most.

Al Nassr defeated Al Najma 5-2 in a match that was more competitive than the standings suggested. Despite facing the league’s bottom side, the Riyadh club had to fight to secure all three points. The win also strengthened their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League, while Ronaldo continued his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.

Late first-half comeback sets tone

Ronaldo’s return came after what was considered a relatively long spell on the sidelines by his standards. He was immediately back in the spotlight in a match that began with a surprise setback for Al Nassr, as Al Tulayhi gave Al Najma an early lead.

Al Nassr responded before halftime, flipping the game on its head with two goals in stoppage time from Al Hamdan and Sadio Mané to take control heading into the break.

Second-half swing keeps pressure on leaders

The match shifted again after halftime when Felippe Cardoso brought Al Najma level, making it 2-2 and briefly raising doubts inside the home stadium.

From that point on, Al Nassr increased the pressure, found more space in attack, and leaned on its star power to regain control of the game.

Penalty controversy and Ronaldo’s decisive impact

The breakthrough came via a controversial penalty decision after a handball, with Al Najma protesting the call. The referee did not reverse the decision, and Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot to restore Al Nassr’s advantage.

Not long after, he struck again. The second goal came from a sharp, well-worked move that required a video review for a potential offside, but the decision stood. Ronaldo showed composure in the box to finish and make it 4-2.

Sadio Mané added another goal to round out the scoreline, sealing a convincing win.

Al Nassr pull clear at the top

Ronaldo’s brace helped Al Nassr secure a stronger grip on first place in the Saudi Pro League as the season approaches its decisive stretch. The former Real Madrid superstar now sits at 967 career goals, edging closer to the unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone that continues to define the late stage of his career.

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