Al Nassr clinches thrilling 5-3 win over Al Kholood in eight-goal spectacle.
RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 41st year in style, scoring a sensational second-half hat-trick to help Al Nassr overcome a spirited Al Kholood side 5-3 in a thrilling Saudi Pro League encounter on Thursday (Oct. 29).
The Portuguese forward netted three times in a 15-minute spell, turning a closely fought contest into a commanding home victory. The treble took his career goal tally to 985, leaving him just 15 goals short of the historic 1,000-goal mark, according to match reports.
Al Kholood drew first blood in the 16th minute, with Julien Domingues silencing the home supporters by putting the visitors ahead.
Al Nassr hit back eight minutes later as Ângelo restored parity in the 24th minute, finishing off an assist from João Félix.
Sadio Mané gave Al Nassr the lead in the 38th minute, once again capitalising on João Félix’s creative contribution.
But Al Kholood showed their resilience, finding an equaliser through Antoine Loic Essomba Bikoula in first-half stoppage time to send both sides into the break locked at 2-2.
Ronaldo takes charge after the break
Ronaldo took centre stage in the second half.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner put Al Nassr ahead in the 66th minute, finishing a João Félix assist before scoring again six minutes later to strengthen the hosts’ advantage.
Ronaldo sealed his hat-trick in the 81st minute, finishing off a move set up by Mané to give Al Nassr a commanding 5-2 lead.
Domingues converted a penalty in the 94th minute to complete his brace and narrow the deficit, but Al Kholood were unable to threaten another comeback.
The win boosted Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League title ambitions and extended their winning streak, while Al Kholood were left looking to bounce back from another disappointing result.
Saudi Pro League standings
The victory took Al Nassr to 28 points from 11 matches, placing them second in the reported league standings.
Al Kholood remained on 12 points following the defeat.
| Team | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Al Qadsiah | 28 | 1st |
| Al Nassr | 28 | 2nd |
| Al Hilal | 27 | 3rd |
| Al Kholood | 12 | 9th–10th |
What the result means
- Al Nassr: The victory provides three valuable points, keeping the club firmly in contention for the league title.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: His three-goal haul brings him closer to the landmark of 1,000 career goals.
- Al Kholood: Defensive vulnerabilities remain a major concern after the team conceded five goals.
Match highlights and scorecard
Goals
- Al Nassr: Ângelo 24′, Sadio Mané 38′, Cristiano Ronaldo 66′, 72′, 81′
- Al Kholood: Julien Domingues 16′, Antoine Loic Essomba Bikoula 45+2′, Julien Domingues 90+4′ (penalty)
Match details: October 29, 2026 | Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh | Matchweek 12
