New Delhi, 22 May (H.S.): Al-Nassr delivered a commanding performance on Thursday, defeating Damac 4-1 to secure the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League title. Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in the triumph, scoring twice in front of a jubilant crowd at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.

The victory marked Al-Nassr’s first league championship since the 2018–19 season. It also handed Ronaldo his first major trophy with the Saudi club.

Al-Nassr opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Sadio Mane rose brilliantly to head home a corner delivered by Joao Felix, putting the hosts 1-0 ahead. Throughout the first half, Felix and Mane consistently troubled Damac’s defensive line with relentless attacking pressure.

Damac fought back after the break and equalised in the 58th minute through Morlaye Sylla, who calmly converted a penalty to make it 1-1. However, Al-Nassr responded almost immediately.

Kingsley Coman produced an excellent attacking move to restore Al-Nassr’s lead before Ronaldo took complete control of the contest.

Ronaldo’s first goal came from a stunning free-kick, as he curled the ball into the net from an extremely difficult angle. He then struck again in the 81st minute, finishing clinically from a superb pass by Coman to secure both the victory and the league title for Al-Nassr.

The 41-year-old Portuguese superstar displayed exceptional rhythm and composure throughout the match, thrilling supporters with another memorable performance.

Al-Nassr controlled the game from start to finish, enjoying more than 62 percent possession. The champions registered 13 shots, eight of which were on target, while Damac managed only three attempts during the entire match.

The defeat also confirmed Damac’s relegation, whereas Al-Nassr’s emphatic triumph brought long-awaited relief and celebration to the Riyadh-based club.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar