Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the second half, including a penalty, to guide Al Nassr to a 3-1 win over Riyadh rivals Al Hilal in the race for the Saudi Pro League title on Friday.

Al Nassr remain in the third place with 54 points but they are now three points behind second-placed Al Hilal and seven off leaders Al Ittihad, who visit Al Ahli on Saturday.

Al Nassr opened the scoring before the interval when Ali Al Hassan curled a shot past goalkeeper Yassin Bono.

Ronaldo made it 2-0 two minutes after the break with a precise shot after a pass from Sadio Mané.

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Reigning champions Al Hilal tried to fight back playing on the counter attack and reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute through Ali Al Bulayhi’s close-range header after a corner.

However, Ronaldo wrapped up the points for Al Nassr with a penalty in the 88th minute awarded for a handball by substitute Mouteb Al-Harbi following a VAR review.

It was Ronaldo’s 70th goal in the Saudi Pro League and continues his quest toward 1,000 career goals.

“The team effort was crucial to this win and me scoring is important but it’s more important to win” Ronaldo told SSC.

“I work hard to help the team in the SPL and Champions League and don’t concentrate on individual records” he added.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.