Ronaldo brace ends seven-year wait as Al Nassr clinch Saudi Pro League crownLast updated: May 22, 2026 | 00:10footballNassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after his team scored their second goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Damac at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh on May 21, 2026.AFP-FAYEZ NURELDINEAl Nassr finally ended their seven-year trophy drought. Needing a win against Damac, they delivered it in style with goals from Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman, alongside a brilliant brace from Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old superstar has now won his first major title since arriving in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Al Hilal won their match against Al Fayha, but despite finishing the league season unbeaten, they fall just two points short of Al Nassr.11:57 PM, 21 May 2026Full Time: Al Nassr 4-1 DamacAl Nassr are champions. The seven-year drought is over. Cristiano Ronaldo has his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia, and he has delivered it in style.11:53 PM, 21 May 2026Ronaldo is substituted Ronaldo is substituted off to a standing ovation. He kisses the badge. The man still loves the game.11:47 PM, 21 May 2026Tears in Ronaldo's eyesThis man's passion is unbelievable. He has already won almost everything in his career, yet the love and hunger for the game still burns just as strongly. (84 min Al Nassr 3 Damac 1)11:45 PM, 21 May 2026Another goal for RonaldoHe picked the loose ball in the box and smashed it in. (80 min Al Nassr 3 Damac 1)11:28 PM, 21 May 2026Ronaldo chants echo around Al Awwal ParkCristiano Ronaldo chants are ringing around the stadium now as Al Nassr move closer and closer to the Saudi Pro League title.(64 min Al Nassr 3 Damac 1)11:25 PM, 21 May 2026GOAAAAAAAAAL: RONALDOOOOOOOOA brilliant free kick from Cristiano Ronaldo may just have settled the nerves in Riyadh. Cometh the hour, cometh the man.Al Nassr are now dancing towards the Saudi Pro League title.(63 min Al Nassr 3 Damac 1)11:24 PM, 21 May 2026Damac make attacking changesDamac make a triple substitution and it is a clear sign they are going for it now with around 30 minutes plus stoppage time left to play. Remember, they need to get something from this game to stay in the league as Al Riyadh is winning now.(61 min Al Nassr 2 Damac 1)11:23 PM, 21 May 2026Brilliant intervention from BentoA long ball from defence sparked a dangerous Damac attack down the left wing before a low cross was fired into the box for what looked like a certain tap in. But Bento reacted brilliantly to intercept and save Al Nassr.(60 min Al Nassr 2 Damac 1)11:20 PM, 21 May 2026GOAAAAL: Damac has pulled one back from the spot11:20 PM, 21 May 2026Penalty for DamacDamac are awarded a penalty after a header from the corner struck Simakan’s arm while appearing to head towards goal. There were questions over whether it was accidental, but after being sent to the monitor, the referee decided to point to the spot.(56 min Al Nassr 2 Damac 0)11:17 PM, 21 May 2026YELLOW CARD: Ronaldo goes into the book11:14 PM, 21 May 2026GOAAAAAAAAAL: ComanKingsley Coman may just have sealed the Saudi Pro League title for Al Nassr with a massive goal in Riyadh. A left-footed-footed brilliant strike from otuside the box.(52 min Al Nassr 2 Damac 0)11:13 PM, 21 May 2026Al Nassr searching for killer second goalDamac are unlikely to change much tactically for now. They will try to keep the score at 1-0 for as long as possible before pushing forward later in the game.Al Nassr know a second goal would completely change the contest. If they score next, this could effectively be game over.(49 min Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)11:09 PM, 21 May 2026Second half is now underwayThe second half is now underway with Al Nassr just 45 minutes away from potentially securing the Saudi Pro League title.(46 min Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)10:57 PM, 21 May 2026Golden Boot race heats upJulian Quinones has scored twice for Al Qadsiah against Al Ittihad, with both goals coming in the 36th minute, including one from the penalty spot.Al Qadsiah lead 3-1 at half time, and the brace takes Quinones to 32 league goals for the season, pulling him level with Ivan Toney at the top of the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot race.(HT Al Qadsiah 3 Al Ittihad 1)10:50 PM, 21 May 2026Half time in RiyadhAl Nassr head into the break with a deserved lead and, as things stand, they are in control of the Saudi Pro League title race thanks to Sadio Mane’s header.Damac have stayed compact for most of the half, but Al Nassr’s pressure eventually paid off from a set piece(HT Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)10:48 PM, 21 May 2026Bento still looks nervyBento still looks a little fragile at the back. A simple back pass from Sadio Mane seemed to rattle the goalkeeper and he ended up kicking it straight out for a throw in despite very little pressure.That costly mistake against Al Hilal still appears to be playing on his mind.(45+2 min Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)10:43 PM, 21 May 2026Felix tests Kewin againJoao Felix produces a brilliant turn outside the box before unleashing a powerful strike, but goalkeeper Kevin reacts well to parry it away.(41 min Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)10:39 PM, 21 May 2026Felix is their creator in chief That brilliant outswinging delivery from Joao Felix for Sadio Mane’s goal was his 13th league assist of the season. He continues to prove why he is Al Nassr’s creator in chief.(38 min Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)10:34 PM, 21 May 2026GOAL: SADIO MANEAnother corner for Al Nassr and this time Joao Felix’s delivery is met emphatically by Sadio Mane, who powers home a brilliant header to give the hosts the lead. When you watch it again, you can see it was poor marking as nobody marked Sadio Mane in the box.As it stands, Al Nassr are the Saudi Pro League champions.(35 min Al Nassr 1 Damac 0)10:32 PM, 21 May 2026Drinks break in RiyadhNot many big chances so far apart from Sadio Mane’s effort, but Al Nassr have dominated possession and territory throughout the game. They now need a moment of magic from someone to break the deadlock.The big question is how long Damac can keep their shape intact as they continue to sit very deep and park the bus.(30 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:30 PM, 21 May 2026Another Al Nassr corner comes to nothingAl Nassr win another corner and the deep delivery creates a couple of pinball moments with the head inside the box, but goalkeeper Kevin eventually gathers it comfortably.(28 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:27 PM, 21 May 2026Damac picking up bookingsTwo yellow cards in quick succession for Damac players, with the latest coming after Kingsley Coman was brought down while bursting forward with the ball.(25 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:26 PM, 21 May 2026Damac under pressure in survival battleDamac’s relegation rivals Al Riyadh are already in the lead elsewhere, meaning Damac now need to get something from this match to secure survival.(25 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:23 PM, 21 May 2026Mane with a big chanceKingsley Coman burst down the right channel after being picked out with a smart pass before delivering a dangerous cross into the box. Sadio Mane made a clever central run inside the six yard area but fired straight at goalkeeper Kevin. The rebound then fell to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose header went over the bar.The pattern of the game is well established now. It is attack versus defence.(21 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:21 PM, 21 May 2026Al Fayha denied equaliserElsewhere, Al Fayha have a goal ruled out against Al Hilal, allowing the league leaders to keep their advantage intact for now.(19 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0 | Al Fayha 0 Al Hilal 1)10:19 PM, 21 May 2026Felix free kick Cristiano Ronaldo won a free kick in the left half space of the final third and initially looked ready to take it himself before Joao Felix stepped up instead. Felix’s delivery was parried away by the goalkeeper just before Simakan could get his head to it.(17 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:18 PM, 21 May 2026Chance for Al NassrDamac concede a cheap corner and Al Nassr nearly make them pay. The delivery was punched away by the goalkeeper, but it fell kindly to Al Khaibari, who smashed his effort just wide. Ronaldo tried to guide it on target on the way through but could not make contact.(16 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:15 PM, 21 May 2026Tempers already rising on the Al Nassr benchA yellow card has been shown to someone on Jorge Jesus’ bench, though it is still unclear whether it was the Al Nassr manager himself or a member of his staff. Jesus looks absolutely furious as Damac goalkeeper Kevin continues taking his time over every goal kick.Damac are clearly trying to frustrate Al Nassr and slow the game down at every opportunity.(14 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:13 PM, 21 May 2026Joao Felix has a funny momentJoao Felix was seen counting towards the referee as the Damac goalkeeper held onto the ball. A reminder that goalkeepers are supposed to release it within seven seconds.(11 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:11 PM, 21 May 2026Damac slowing the tempo wellTen minutes played and Al Nassr are yet to create a meaningful chance. Damac are successfully turning this into a stop start affair, slowing the tempo and hoofing the ball clear whenever needed.(10 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:08 PM, 21 May 2026Al Hilal take early leadElsewhere, Sultan Mandash has given Al Hilal an early 1-0 lead against Al Fayha. As it stands, Al Hilal will be crowned champions. Al Nassr need to score no matter what.(7 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0 | Al Fayha 0 Al Hilal 1)10:06 PM, 21 May 2026Al Nassr searching for early breakthroughAl Nassr would love an early goal to ease the pressure, but Damac are expected to stay compact, keep things tight, and turn this into a nervy contest.(5 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:04 PM, 21 May 2026Brozovic absence a concern for Al NassrAl Nassr will certainly feel the absence of Marcelo Brozovic, whose control and composure in midfield could be badly missed tonight.(3 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:03 PM, 21 May 2026Early Damac pressureDamac deliver the first dangerous cross into the Al Nassr box inside the opening minute, but Al Nassr deal with it comfortably.(1 min Al Nassr 0 Damac 0)10:01 PM, 21 May 2026Match is underway09:59 PM, 21 May 2026No Golden-boot for Ronaldo this timeCristiano Ronaldo has once again been Al Nassr’s most influential player this season, scoring 26 league goals under Jorge Jesus after adapting to a more traditional target man role inside the box.However, the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot now appears to be slipping away from the Portuguese star. Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney leads the scoring charts with 32 goals, while Al Qadisiyah’s Julian Quiones sits second with 30.09:53 PM, 21 May 2026Why Al Hilal will win the title if points are levelIf both teams finish level on points, many fans would naturally expect goal difference to decide the title, similar to the English Premier League. However, the Saudi Pro League follows a completely different set of tie breakers.If two teams are tied on points, the league first considers:• Most points earned in head to head matches• Superior head to head goal difference• Most goals scored in head to head matchesAnd this is exactly where Al Hilal hold a huge advantage.During the season, Al Hilal defeated Al Nassr 3-1 in one meeting, while the second clash ended 1-1. That means Hilal collected four points from the two head to head encounters, while Nassr managed just one.09:50 PM, 21 May 2026For Damac, it's a survival battleA point will secure their safety regardless of other results, as they hold the head to head advantage over Al Riyadh.Damac will have to cope without midfielder Abdullah Al Qahtani, who is unavailable for this crucial clash09:47 PM, 21 May 2026Damac startline lineup 09:42 PM, 21 May 2026Al Nassr starting lineup vs DamacFrom code to kick-off: Gulf News’ Mohammed Shamsheer spends his weekdays in DevOps and weekends watching football — a proud Chelsea supporter through and through.Get Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next