Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 982nd official career goal as Al-Nassr claimed a 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, moving the Portuguese forward to within 18 goals of the historic 1,000-goal milestone.
The 41-year-old captain doubled Al-Nassr’s lead in the 49th minute, rising to head home a cross from compatriot João Félix at Majmaah Sports City Stadium.
The goal ended Ronaldo’s scoring drought since his strike against Neftchi Fargona in the AFC Champions League Elite on October 12, taking his combined tally for club and country to 982.
Ronaldo appeared to have added another goal shortly afterwards, but his effort was ruled out for offside following a review.
Abdullah Al-Hamdan had opened the scoring for Al-Nassr early in the first half, finishing a move involving Sadio Mané to put the visitors ahead.
Al-Faisaly threatened a comeback when Theo Bongonda headed home Mohammed Al Shanqiti’s cross to reduce the deficit. However, Al-Nassr restored their two-goal advantage in the 79th minute, with Ângelo Gabriel finding the net after being set up by Al-Hamdan.
The victory marked Al-Nassr’s third consecutive league win, following successes against Al-Diriyah and Neom, and strengthened their position in the Saudi Pro League title race.
Al-Nassr moved to 25 points, drawing level with league leaders Al-Qadsiah, who had a game in hand ahead of their fixture against Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal sat third, one point behind the leading pair, with a postponed match still to play.
