Ronaldo and Joao Felix star as Al-Nassr beat Al-Kholood to move within three points

Al-Nassr produced a dominant win over Al-Kholood at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix starring as the visitors moved within three points of Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal.

The game began with Al-Nassr on top: Felix and Sadio Mane combined early to create a chance headed wide, and Felix later got in behind for a cross that saw Ronaldo’s goalbound shot cleared off the line by 19-year-old Mansour Camara.

Al-Nassr continued to fashion the best openings as the first half developed. Mane set Felix to head just wide and Simakan saw a powerful header saved by Al-Kholood goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani, while a stunning block by John Buckley and a tight offside decision kept the score level at the break.

Two minutes after the interval Felix again beat the offside trap and played across for Ronaldo to slide into an empty net for his 17th Saudi Pro League goal of the season — one behind top scorer Ivan Toney — and the 961st goal of his career.

No sooner had Al-Nassr taken the lead than it became 2-0, Simakan powering home another Felix delivery. Al-Kholood’s captain Hatan Bahbri was later sent off for an off-the-ball elbow on Simakan after VAR review, and in the closing stages Coman converted a penalty after Ramzi Solan fouled him to seal the win with Ronaldo and Mane off the pitch.

The result moves Al-Nassr within three points of Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

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