Cristiano Ronaldo returns to save Al Nassr from embarrassment and boost hopes of history

Cristiano Ronaldo made a scoring return for Al Nassr as they maintained their Saudi Pro League title push.

However, the league leaders had to survive a scare as they faced bottom-of-the-table Al Najma at home on Friday night.

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The visitors took a surprise lead in the first half before two goals in stoppage time turned the match on its head.

Al Najma equalised again just two minutes after the interval as they threatened to cause a huge upset.

Ronaldo, who had not played a match since February 28 due to injury, was on hand to spare his side’s blushes, though, as he restored their lead from the penalty spot.

The 41-year-old then added another before Sadio Mane scored his second of the match in added time to seal a 5-2 victory.

As a result, Al Nassr now find themselves six points clear at the top of the table with seven matches remaining.

However, nearest challengers Al Hilal have played a game less than the leaders.

Ronaldo eyes history

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s goals have closed the gap in the scoring charts as he eyes a historic third golden boot.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is aiming to become the first European to finish as Saudi Pro League top scorer three seasons in a row.

He now sits just two goals behind Ivan Toney with 23 goals in 23 league appearances this season.

Ronaldo reached the tally on Friday despite missing Al Nassr’s last two matches in the competition.

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A hamstring injury picked up against Al Fayha last month had ruled Ronaldo out for over four weeks.

It also forced him out of Portugal’s latest fixtures in preparation for the World Cup.

Ronaldo was absent from the national team squad for their friendlies against Mexico and the USA.

But he remains on course to feature in North America this summer.

Closing in on 1000

The veteran forward is also now getting closer to reaching 1,000 career goals after he extended his tally for Al Nassr.

His brace against Al Najma represented Ronaldo’s 966th and 967th goals for club and country.

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Ronaldo will have the chance to extend his scoring form away to Al Akhdoud on Saturday, April 11.

Al Nassr are then in AFC Champions League Two quarter-final action against Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates the following weekend.