Ronaldo scores but 10-man Al Nassr lose 3-1 to Al Hilal

Goal reports Cristiano Ronaldo is facing another trophyless season after Al Nassr threw away a one-goal lead and lost 3-1 to title rivals Al Hilal.

Ronaldo put his side ahead in the 42nd minute with his 16th goal in all competitions from a neat assist by Kingsley Coman, after Al Nassr had outshot Al Hilal six to one in the first half. Early in the second half Mohamed Simakan conceded a penalty that Salem Al Dawsari converted in the 57th minute, and seconds later Ruben Neves collided with goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi; Al Aqidi's yellow card was upgraded to a red for violent conduct following a VAR review, leaving Al Nassr with 10 men for the final half hour. Mohamed Kanno then scored from close range with nine minutes remaining and Neves tucked away a 92nd-minute penalty after Ali Al Hassan fouled Al Dawsari.

Ruben Neves provided the assist for Kanno and scored the late penalty and was described as playing a huge role in the victory. Al Nassr are now seven points behind Al Hilal after 14 games, have lost three on the spin with their last win on 27 December, and Ronaldo remains without a major trophy since moving to the Middle East three years ago; the source said Al Aqidi's dismissal may mean the league title is already out of reach.

Key Topics

Sports, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Ruben Neves, Nawaf Al Aqidi