SPL: Ronaldo reacts after scoring second-half hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 5-3 win

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted after scoring a second-half hat-trick to inspire his team to a 5-3 victory over Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday.

The Portuguese superstar scored three goals within 15 minutes to secure the win after both teams went into the half-time break level at 2-2.

The 41-year-old’s performance marked his first hat-trick of the season and his first treble for Al-Nassr in more than two years.

Reacting to the victory, Ronaldo took to X to celebrate the team’s performance and his contribution, writing: “Great win, great team performance. Happy to help with a hat-trick!”

The match started with frustration for Ronaldo, as two of his first-half goals were ruled out for offside, including one following a VAR review. Al-Kholood took the lead through Julien Domingues in the 16th minute before Ângelo Gabriel equalised for Al-Nassr eight minutes later. Sadio Mané then put the hosts ahead in the 38th minute, but Antoin Essomba restored parity during first-half stoppage time.

Ronaldo took charge after the restart, scoring twice in the 66th and 72nd minutes with assists from João Félix, who provided four assists during the encounter. Mané later set up the Portuguese forward for his third goal in the 81st minute, completing the hat-trick and extending Al-Nassr’s lead.

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Domingues converted a stoppage-time penalty for Al-Kholood, but it was not enough to prevent the visitors from losing 5-3. Ronaldo’s outstanding second-half display ensured Al-Nassr secured all three points.