Al-Hilal win again, Ronaldo hat-trick hero for Al-Nassr
Al-Hilal beat Riyadh rivals Al-Shabab 4-3 on Saturday to stay 12 points clear at the top of the Roshn Saudi League and extend their world record winning streak to 30 games in all competitions.
It was far from plain sailing at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium however as Musab Al-Juwayr gave the hosts a third-minute lead.
The league leaders took it in their stride and scored three times before the break.
Aleksandar Mitrovic equalized from the spot after 20 minutes and then seven minutes later the former Fulham forward tapped home from close range at the far post after good work from fellow Serbian Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Just before the break, Milinkovic-Savic extended Al-Hilal’s lead, also from close range, finishing a delightful bouncing cross from Ruben Neves.
Given Al-Hilal’s form, there seemed to be no coming back from that especially when Salem Al-Dawsari added a fourth near the hour. The in-form Asian Player of the Year timed his run into the area perfectly to sweep home Michael’s perfect pass and it looked as if that was that.
But Al-Shabab had other ideas. Hussain Al-Sibyani shot home just after the hour to make it 4-2 and then, with 12 minutes left, Romain Saiss cut the deficit to one goal with a fantastic free-kick. Al-Hilal hung on for another three points, however.
Despite the victory, Al-Hilal’s lead remains at 12 points as Al-Nassr defeated Al-Tai 5-1. The Yellows also took some time to get going.
Otavio put them ahead after 20 minutes but just two minutes later Virgil Misidjan equalized for the struggling visitors.
It was just a temporary setback for Al-Nassr however as, deep into first half injury-time, Abdulrahman Ghareeb marked his return from international duty with a goal.
Two second-half goals in quick succession from Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the three points for Luis Castro’s men. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner completed his hat trick on 87 minutes, heading home at the far post to score his 26th goal of the season and win another game for the Yellows.