Ronaldo scores hat-trick as Al Nassr win pre-season friendly

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated a dominant pre-season performance with a hat-trick, leading Al Nassr to a 4-0 victory over Rio Ave at the Estádio do Algarve in Portugal on Thursday.

Mohamed Simakan opened the scoring in the 15th minute, calmly slotting past Rio Ave goalkeeper Cezary Miszta. Just before half-time, Ronaldo doubled the lead, combining brilliantly with new signing João Félix to find the back of the net.

Though Ave tried to make a comeback after the break, a lack of discipline cost it dearly: Nelson Abbey handled the ball, conceding a penalty.

Ronaldo handed spot-kick duties to Sadio Mané, but the Senegalese forward failed to convert. The 40-year-old quickly made amends 16 seconds later, scoring his second of the night, off his head.

Abbey’s struggles continued as he fouled Félix in the box, conceding another penalty. This time, Ronaldo stepped up himself, coolly converting to complete his hat-trick and cap off a commanding display.

Since joining Al Nassr in 2022 after his Manchester United departure, Ronaldo has been in scintillating form, netting 93 goals in 105 appearances.

Recent speculation over his future arose following the club’s failure to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, but those rumours were swiftly put to rest when he signed a two-year contract extension.

Al Nassr’s pre-season preparations continue with a friendly against Spanish second-division side UD Almería on August 10. Its competitive campaign kicks off on August 19 in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal against Al Ittihad. Agencies

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