Ronaldo notches his second hat trick of the season in Saudi Pro League

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA >> Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half hat trick helped Al-Nassr beat visiting Al-Tai 5-1 in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has a league-leading 26 goals for the Riyadh club he signed for in December 2022.

Al-Nassr, a nine-time champion, was 2-1 ahead at the break. Ronaldo had been almost anonymous but scored his first after 64 minutes, turning in the right side of the area to fire home a low shot after a pull-back from Senegalese star Sadio Mane.

Three minutes later, Ronaldo added his second and AlNassr’s fourth. Al-Tai failed to clear and the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player was on hand to score from close range.

Abdulmajeed Al-Sulayhim was the provider for the third goal, crossing to the 39-year-old Ronaldo to head home at the far post for his second hat trick of the season.