Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq final score, result, highlights from Saudi Pro League as Cristiano Ronaldo strikes in 3-1 victory

After defeating Al Ettifaq 3-1, Al Nassr reduced the lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to 10 points.

Al Hilal crushed Abha 7-0 on Thursday, thus as long as the leads keep setting the pace, Al Nassr’s own title ambitions are out of their control.

They responded well enough on Friday, though, with Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic and Cristiano Ronaldo all on the scoresheet in a comfortable victory in Riyadh. Steven Gerrard’s visitors did at least get a consolation goal through Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi, but with just one win in 12 games in all competitions, pressure on the former Liverpool captain is starting to build in earnest.

Al Nassr (4-2-3-1, right to left): Alaqidi (GK) — Al Ghanam, Laporte, Lajami, Telles — Brozovic, Fofana — Talisca, Otavio, Mane —  Ronaldo.

Al Ettifaq (3-4-2-1, right to left): Victor (GK) — Hendry, Tisserand, Al-Khateeb — Yousef, Henderson, Hazazi, A. Al-Ghamdi (H. Al-Ghamdi, 4′) —  Quaison, Wijnaldum —Dembele.

Al Ettifaq defended well for much of the first half to restrict Al Nassr to very few chances. Indeed, the away side missed the best of the early opportunities, Moussa Dembele shooting straight at goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi when clean through on the break.

A moment of magic from Alex Telles broke the deadlock shortly before halftime. The former Manchester United man smashed home a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area following a half-cleared cross.

Any hope of a comeback seemed to be snuffed out before the hour mark. Al Nassr pressed high to disrupt Al Ettifaq’s attempt to play out from the back, Brozovic intercepted the ball 18 yards out, and the midfielder’s improvised half-volley from Ronaldo’s headed assist saw him score in the Saudi Pro League for the first time.

Ronaldo twice missed good chances, the second following a fine run from Sadio Mane, but he would eventually get on the scoresheet via a penalty after Mane’s latest dance into the area drew a handball.

Al Kuwaykibi netted from close range but it never felt like the visitors believed they could rescue a result. They remain eighth in the table, 16 points behind Al Nassr in second.