On Boxing Day, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his prowess by netting two penalty goals, leading Al Nassr to a commanding 5-2 victory over reigning champions Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. 

Al-Ittihad initially secured an early lead with Abderrazak Hamdallah scoring, assisted by captain Karim Benzema. However, Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, and Talisca subsequently propelled Al Nassr ahead before halftime.

In the second half, Hamdallah equalized for Al-Ittihad, but the tide turned in Al Nassr’s favor following a VAR review. Referee Polychronis Kostaras, with the assistance of VAR, determined that former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho had struck Otavio in the face with his right hand. Fabinho received a straight red card, and Ronaldo converted the ensuing penalty kick, giving Al Nassr a 3-2 lead in the 68th minute.

Exploiting their numerical advantage, Sadio Mane added two more goals, sealing Al Nassr’s victory. This triumph narrowed the gap with league leaders Al-Hilal to seven points in the Saudi Pro League title race.

Ronaldo’s stellar performance contributed to his impressive tally of 53 goals in 2023, solidifying his position as the leading scorer in world soccer this year, ahead of Harry Kane (52), Kylian Mbappe (52), and Erling Haaland (50).