RIYADH: With Al-Nassr firmly in the Saudi Pro League title race and waiting for any slip-up from Al-Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the starting XI came as a timely boost after a period dominated by off-field distractions involving the player, the club and the Public Investment Fund.
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The visitors overcame a stern test at the Meydan Tamweel Al-Oula Stadium, a venue where they suffered a frustrating 3-2 defeat last season, to secure all three points.
Ronaldo had an early sight of goal just 34 seconds into the match, meeting Kingsley Coman’s cross at the far post but sending his volley wide.
Despite failing to win in their previous six outings, Al-Fateh posed an early threat, with Mourad Batna beating two defenders before firing narrowly wide in the seventh minute.
