Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after starring for Al-Nassr in win over Al-Akhdoud

Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted after scoring his first goal of 2025 for Al-Nassr in their stunning come-from-behind win over Al-Akhdoud in the Saudi Pro League. They won the clash by a 3-1 margin on Thursday (January 9) at Al-Awwal Park. Saudi Pro League resumed after a long break of more than a month, and Al-Nassr has started well, increasing fans' hopes of winning the tournament this season. However, they didn’t have the best of starts in the encounter, with Al-Akhdoud scoring in the sixth minute of the game.

Saviour Godwin found the nets to take his team into the lead early. However, Sadio Mane pulled off an equalizer with his right-footed shot from close range in the 29th minute. He also won a penalty for Al-Nassr much to their delight in the 42nd minute which opened up a chance for Ronaldo to open his account this year.

The star player converted the penalty from the spot to take Al-Nassr into the lead in the match. Mane then scored his second goal of the game for the Knights of Najd with a header in the 88th minute to seal the game once and for all. 

It was a perfect game for Al-Nassr even as Ronaldo also had a good outing with 40 touches and two shots on target while also recording one key pass. He scored his 917th career goal in Al-Nassr’s first victory of 2025 and was delighted after the win. “Best way to start the year,” Ronaldo wrote on his account on X while sharing his stills from the match.

Al-Nassr jump to third place in Saudi Pro League

With this win, Al-Nassr are now in third place in the ongoing season of the Saudi Pro League after playing 14 matches. They have won 8, drawn 4, and lost two matches this season so far and have 28 points to show for their efforts. The Knights of Najd are still eight points behind the top-of-the-table Al-Ittihad and it will take a massive effort from them to lift the trophy this time around. Al-Nassr will next face Al-Taawoun on January 17 at 10:30 PM IST.