Ronaldo Delivers As Al-Nassr Edge Damac 2-1 In Saudi Pro League

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Al-Nassr earned a 2-1 victory over Damac in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a 16th league goal this season. The result at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium keeps Al-Nassr four points behind leaders Al-Hilal, having played one game more.

The win gives Al-Nassr successive league successes after ending a three-match losing run against Al-Shabab. This latest result also maintains pressure on Al-Hilal before the meeting with Al-Fayha on Thursday. Al-Nassr are now unbeaten in 15 league matches against Aseer-based opponents, with six straight wins and an 18-4 combined score.

Al-Nassr had been beaten in the previous two Saudi Pro League away fixtures. They avoided a third straight away defeat for the first time since December 2020. The visitors produced 1.54 expected goals from 14 attempts, while Damac generated 0.59 expected goals from eight shots.

Abdulrahman Ghareeb justified a starting role after deciding the Al-Shabab game from the bench. Ghareeb struck again in Abha, putting Jorge Jesus' side ahead inside five minutes. The winger finished calmly from 12 yards, placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Kewin to open the scoring.

Ronaldo had not scored in the previous outing but responded after the interval. Portugal team-mate Joao Felix released Ronaldo behind the defence five minutes into the second half. Ronaldo applied a delicate finish, moving clear of Ivan Toney atop the scoring chart with 16 goals.

Damac did respond, despite a difficult recent record against Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Jamal Harkass met a cross with a glancing header after 68 minutes, halving the deficit and ending hopes of a routine win. Ronaldo later had another finish ruled out for offside.

Damac entered the match on an eight-game league losing streak against Al-Nassr but still could not take a point. Al-Nassr protected the narrow lead through the closing stages in Abha. The performance, combined with strong historical results in Aseer, strengthens their league position behind Al-Hilal.