Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Al Nassr to King's Cup Final with Brace Against Al Khaleej

Cristiano Ronaldomade a triumphant return to form on Wednesday night, scoring two goals to propel Al Nassr into the King Cup of Champions final with a 3-1 victory over Al Khaleej. The Portuguese superstar's performance was crucial in setting up a title showdown with Saudi Pro League frontrunners Al Hilal on May 31.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Al Khaleej's defense and hooking a left-footed strike into an empty net. Sadio Mane then doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after Al Khaleej defender Ivo Rodrigues handled the ball inside the penalty area.

The 39-year-old Ronaldo scored his second goal in the 57th minute, finishing off a low cross at the far post, assisted by Ayman Yahya. Al Khaleej pulled one back in the 82nd minute through substitute Fawaz Al-Torais, but it was too late as Al Nassr comfortably held onto its lead.

Ronaldo's brace ended his mini drought of two games without finding the back of the net. He led the game in shots (seven), shots from inside the box (five), and dribbles (four), despite having the least touches among starting outfield players for Al Nassr (43). "His presence up front proved too much for Al Khaleej to handle," noted one observer.

Specifically, Ronaldo sacrificed a potential hat-trick by handing the penalty kick to Sadio Mane, showcasing his sportsmanship and earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. "The King's Cup, let's go!"Ronaldo posted on social media, accompanied by pictures of his celebrations after scoring the two goals.

Al Nassr dominatedthe match, with 21 shots and an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.78, compared to Al Khaleej's nine shots and 1.37 xG. Al Nassr dominated the match, with 21 shots and an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.78, compared to Al Khaleej's nine shots and 1.37 xG. Al Khaleej goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic made nine saves during the match, while centre-back Mohammed Al Khabrani was forced off the pitch in the 77th minute after sustaining an injury, leaving the team with 10 men.

Al Nassr and Al Hilal are set to meet again in the second Saudi Pro League fixture of the season on May 17 at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh. This will be the fifth time the teams have met this season, with Al Nassr winning the first clash 2-1 in the 2023 King Salman Club Cup final, and Al Hilal emerging victorious in the next two clashes.

Ronaldo's exceptional performance and Al Nassr's victory in the semi-final highlight his enduring quality and his potential to be a key factor in the team's quest for silverware this season. As they prepare to face fierce rivals Al Hilal in the final, Al Nassr will look to their star striker to lead them to glory and add another trophy to their cabinet.

Key Takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo scores 2 goals, leads Al Nassr to 3-1 win over Al Khaleej in King Cup semi-final.
• Ronaldo's brace ends his 2-game goal drought, earns him MVP title.
• Al Nassr dominates match with 21 shots, 3.78 xG, sets up final with Al Hilal on May 31.
• Ronaldo showcases sportsmanship, hands penalty kick to Sadio Mane.
• Al Nassr seeks to win King Cup title, add to their silverware collection.