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Al Nassr claimed a thrilling 4–1 win against Damac on Thursday to clinch the Saudi Pro League championship for the first time since Cristiano Ronaldo joined the club four years ago.
The mood was electric at Al-Awwal Park, with everyone aware that the title would be settled within the next 90 minutes on the field. Jorge Jesus's squad appeared composed under the pressure, however, and remained focused on securing three points, which would hand them the Saudi crown.
The home side wasted several early chances, much to the frustration of the fans, but broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through Sadio Mané. The ex-Liverpool forward headed in João Félix's precise delivery from the corner to send the stadium into a frenzy.
The opener sparked celebrations across Riyadh, and the party grew louder when Kingsley Coman unleashed a stunning left-footed effort from just outside the penalty area in the 52nd minute.
Nerves crept in when Damac swiftly reduced the deficit from the penalty spot. But who better than Ronaldo to reignite the festivities? The 41-year-old curled a free kick into the far corner to make it 3–1, before sealing Al Nassr's first league title in seven years with another strike in the 81st minute.
Jesus's side wrapped up their campaign on 86 points, finishing two points clear of runners-up Al Hilal. They recorded 28 victories and netted 91 goals throughout the season, both of which were league-leading figures.
Ronaldo Finally Gets His Major Trophy at Al Nassr
Back on May 12, Ronaldo could only laugh in sheer disbelief as he watched his team concede a 98th-minute equalizer against Al Hilal, forcing the title race to go down to the final day. What had seemed like a certain trophy was suddenly very much in question.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner knows all too well the pain of falling short in a yellow shirt. Since arriving in the Saudi Pro League in December 2022, Ronaldo had been unable to get his hands on a major trophy.
In his opening two seasons, Al Nassr finished as runners-up in the Saudi Pro League on consecutive occasions. Last season, they could only manage a third-place finish. Throughout that period, glory also eluded the club in the AFC Champions League Elite and the Saudi Super Cup.
This time, however, Ronaldo refused to be denied. The Portuguese superstar scored twice in the most important match of the season, extinguishing any hope of a Damac comeback. The performance wasn't enough to earn Ronaldo the Golden Boot, but that will be the last thing on his mind.
The tears that followed his second goal said everything about the legend, who has now lifted a major trophy at every club he has represented throughout his remarkable career. Ronaldo was visibly overwhelmed with emotion on the bench after being substituted off to a rapturous reception, with the crowd paying tribute to their captain.