Meanwhile, Al-Ahli triumphed over Qatar’s Al-Sadd 3-1, adding to the Kingdom s success in Asia. These victories ensure that the top three spots in the 12-team West Asian group are still held by Saudi Pro League teams, with Al-Ahli leading the way with 19 points—three ahead of both Al-Hilal, who could reclaim the top spot with a win over Iran’s Persepolis on Tuesday, and Al-Nassr.

However, in the AFC Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the spotlight once again with a 4-0 victory against the Emirati side Al-Wasl.

Both Al-Wasl and Al-Nassr had already secured spots in the knockout phase before Monday’s game, yet both teams still fielded strong starting lineups for match day seven of eight in the group stage.

The first goal came after 25 minutes from an unlikely source: Ali Al-Hassan. The midfielder gained possession 30 meters from goal, took a step forward, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the Al-Wasl net. Just before halftime, Ronaldo, only two days shy of his 40th birthday, extended Al-Nassr’s lead with a penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Ronaldo then made it 3-0 after 78 minutes with a powerful header, and there was still time for Mohammed Al-Fatil to add a fourth.

Meanwhile, Al-Ahli had to rally after falling behind to Al-Sadd. Akram Afif gave the 2011 champions the lead with a stunning goal just 47 seconds in, chipping the ball over Edouard Mendy, who had ventured off his line.

Later, Roberto Firmino stunned the home crowd with a spectacular bicycle kick, assisted by Riyad Mahrez. Six minutes before the break, Al-Ahli took the lead through Roger Ibanez. It was all sealed in the 81st minute when Ivan Toney got to the ball ahead of the goalkeeper, allowing Mahrez to fire home for a 4-1 victory.