On Sunday night, the hosts dispatched Al Kholood 2-0 at an atmospheric Al Awwal Park, the win sealed by a summer signing and a club stalwart.
After he received the trophy, posed for pictures and smiled for the cameras, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner took his place back on the pitch. From there, and although he wasn’t at his brilliant best, Ronaldo helped guide Al Nassr to victory.
However, it took Jorge Jesus’ side a while to break the deadlock, the opener arriving seven minutes into the second half from the boot of Sadio Mane.
Al Nassr did eventually double their lead, though. With nine minutes remaining, former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez rose highest to head home Marcelo Brozovic’s corner. Having joined the Riyadh club last month, it represented the Spaniard’s first goal in yellow and blue.
Martinez was then guaranteed a second successive clean sheet in dramatic fashion when, in the final minute of normal time, goalkeeper Raghid Najjar saved Myziane Malioda’s penalty.
Third last season, Al Nassr had win No.2 from two to begin what they hope will be a sustained tilt at the title this term.
Back in the capital, in the day’s earlier kick-off, Al Riyadh defeated new boys Al Najmah also 2-1, although their night ended on a sour note when Iraq international Ibrahim Bayesh was sent off in stoppage-time.
