“Cristiano Ronaldo one step away from the coveted Saudi title.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is one step away from the title he has long coveted in Saudi Arabia! Al Nassr solidified its lead in the Saudi championship by defeating Al Ettifaq 1-0 at home, a match that further ignites the hopes of the Portuguese star to win the coveted trophy since his arrival at the club in December 2022, coming from Manchester United.

The only goal of the match came in the 31st minute, scored by Frenchman Kingsley Coman. The play began with a weak shot from Cristiano Ronaldo outside the area, which the Al Ettifaq goalkeeper failed to secure. The ball fell to Coman, who coolly rounded goalkeeper Rodak and slotted it into the net, ensuring the hosts’ advantage.

In attack, Ronaldo partnered with João Félix, another Portuguese talent who has been shining in the Saudi league. The Al Nassr captain also threatened to extend the lead with a powerful curling shot that hit the post, leaving the fans in suspense and showing that the best may still be yet to come.

In the second half, the home team did not give up on increasing their lead. A moment of great tension arose when the referee awarded a penalty to Al Nassr for an alleged handball by defender Hendry. However, VAR intervened and overturned the decision, confirming that the clearance was made with the chest, frustrating hopes for a more comfortable goal for Ronaldo and company.

As the game approached its end, Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted in the 89th minute, but his presence on the field was decisive for the victory that keeps Al Nassr at the top of the league. This win marks the team’s 17th triumph in all competitions this season, consolidating an eight-point lead over Al Hilal, the second-placed team, which still has a game to play.

With only five matches remaining in the league, the title is increasingly close to being secured by Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr. Will this be the achievement that the Portuguese star needs to shine in the Middle East? The race is on, and the eyes of the football world are on every step of this historic moment.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.