RIYADH : Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to club football after a turbulent international break with Portugal by scoring his 980th career goal as Al-Nassr beat Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
The victory lifted Al-Nassr level on points with leaders Al-Qadsiah, who retained top spot on goal difference after eight rounds.
The 41-year-old forward opened the scoring midway through the first half, capitalising on a rebound after Kingsley Coman’s long-range effort was blocked by goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah.
Ronaldo’s goal came after a controversial international break during which he left the Portugal squad. He has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.
In a lengthy statement posted on Tuesday, Ronaldo said newly appointed Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had not kept his word about when the striker would play in the Nations League.
Ronaldo won the Saudi league title in May with Jesus coaching Al-Nassr, but the pair’s relationship has since come under scrutiny.
Samu Costa doubled Al-Nassr’s lead shortly before halftime, while Coman sealed the victory with 13 minutes remaining for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Earlier, Al-Qadsiah strengthened their position at the top with a 5-0 thrashing of Al-Kholood. Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring, while Italy’s Mateo Retegui and Mexico’s Julian Quinones were also among the goalscorers.
