Online Desk: Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and also set up one of Sadio Mane’s two goals as Al-Nassr roared to a 5-0 victory over Al Fateh to seal their first win in this season’s Saudi Pro League on Friday. Despite winning the Arab Club Champions Cup, Al-Nassr started the domestic season with two defeats and zero goals to their names. However, Ronaldo and Co bounced back brilliantly as Luis Castro’s side dominated the game throughout, keeping possession and creating more chances.

Speaking to the Saudi Sports Company channel after the electrifying match, Ronaldo said: “My happiness knows no bounds in Saudi Arabia. I voiced this sentiment last year, and my belief holds strong: the Saudi league is poised to rival the world’s most esteemed tournaments. It’s impressive to witness the league attracting such esteemed talent.” He added: “My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its gracious hospitality. My elation here fuels my determination to contribute my very best to Saudi football.”

Ronaldo and Mane combined for the first goal in the 27th minute of the game. A cheeky back heel from Ronaldo saw Mane open and one-on-one with the keeper as the former Liverpool forward made no mistake in sending the ball into Al Fateh’s net. Ronaldo scored the second in the 38th minute, with a header from a Sultan Alganham cross.

In the second half, Al-Nassr came out hungry for more, wanting to extend their lead and continuing to hold the ball. With the keeper out of his position, Ronaldo was put through clear on goal by Abdulrahman Ghareeb in the 55th minute, and the 38-year-old Portuguese did not make any mistake to send the ball back into the net.

Ronaldo was involved in Mane’s second goal as well. The former Real Madrid forward played the ball from the deep, luring defenders towards him before finding Ghareeb on the left flank who then crossed it in the box for Mane to head it in for his brace. Hungry to get his 63rd career hat-trick, Ronaldo tapped one in from close range in the added time of the game.