Ronaldo Nets Brace in Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Victory

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his remarkable goalscoring form, netting twice to lead Al-Nassr to a convincing 3-1 victory over Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite in Qatar on Monday.

The Portuguese superstar reached career goals 912 and 913, opening his account just 50 seconds into the second half with a well-placed header from Sultan Al Ghannam’s cross. Ronaldo completed his brace in the 64th minute before being substituted 10 minutes later, taking his tally to four goals in this season’s competition.

The victory strengthens Al-Nassr’s position in the tournament, leaving them needing just two points from their remaining three group games to advance to the quarter-finals. The Saudi club remains unbeaten in their first five matches in the Western side of the competition and now sits second in the 12-team table.

The win provides a welcome boost for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, coming after their disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Al-Qadsiahfell on Saturday, which left them six points behind leaders Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has maintained his prolific scoring record with 71 goals in 81 appearances. However, his trophy cabinet in Saudi Arabia remains relatively modest, with only the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup to show for his efforts. This season, the 38-year-old has contributed seven goals and two assists in 10 league games as he pursues domestic success in what could be one of his final seasons as a professional.