Cristiano Ronaldo got back on the scoresheet with two goals as Al-Nassr beat Al-Khaleej 3-1 to reach the final of the King Cup of Champions 2024 on Wednesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored either side of half-time as Al-Nassr advanced to a final clash with Saudi League leaders Al-Hilal, who beat Al-Ittihad 2-1 in the other semi-final on Tuesday.
Ronaldo capitalized on a mistake by opposition keeper Ibrahim Sehic to open the scoring in the 17th minute, then hit the net at the second attempt just before the hour mark to double his lead.
The goal could have made it a hat-trick for the Portugal International star, but he missed a first-half penalty chance after Ivo Rodrigues was handled in the area, Sadio Mane stepping up instead to fire his spot-kick into the top corner.
Fawaz Al Terais was on target late on for Al-Khaleej, but that proved a mere consolation in a one-sided affair, with Al-Nassr amassing 21 shots and a 3.78 Expected Goals (xG) rating, while their opponents managed just nine shots in total. 1.37 x G.
Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated against Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday but bounced back against the same opponents on Wednesday to end his two-game mini drought.
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s 43 touches were the fewest of any winger to start for Al-Nassr, he managed seven shots, five shots from inside and four dribbles – all high figures.
