Match Recap
Al‑Nassr delivered a dominant 4–0 preseason victory against Rio Ave in Loulé, Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo in top form, netting a thrilling hat‑trick to light up the return to action under coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo’s Masterclass: Three Goals, One Performance
- First Strike: Ronaldo broke the deadlock with a powerful shot just before halftime, assisted by João Félix, showcasing electric chemistry between the two Portuguese stars.
- Second Goal: Shortly after the break, Ronaldo rose highest in the box to head home, reclaiming momentum after a missed penalty.
- Third Goal (Penalty): When a foul inside the box again created a spot-kick, Ronaldo took charge—compounding confusion around Sadio Mané’s earlier miss—and delivered with precision to seal the hat‑trick.
Reflecting on the moment, fans hailed the star’s humility and composure, especially after he handed the penalty opportunity to Mané to instill confidence.
Joao Félix: The Playmaker
Joao Félix, in his second start for Al‑Nassr, impressed with incisive vision and involvement:
- Assisted Mohamed Simakan for the opening goal.
- Created the chance that Ronaldo converted just before halftime.
- Dominated in duels, final-third pass completions, and overall offensive creation.
Team Form & Implications
Alb-Nassr’s performance wasn’t a one-off—it was a continuation of strong preseason form that included wins over Toulouse (2–1) and SK St. Johann (5–2).
This dominating display sets the tone ahead of:
- Final preseason match vs Almeria in Spain.
- Saudi Super Cup semifinal on August 19 against reigning champions Al‑Ittihad, led by Karim Benzema.
Ronaldo Stays: Renewed Commitment
Amid speculation about his future, Ronaldo signed a new contract extension with Al‑Nassr, keeping him at the club until 2027, reaffirming his long-term role as the team’s talisman.
Match Summary Table
| Detail | Info |
| Result | Al‑Nassr 4–0 Rio Ave |
| Goal Scorers | Simakan (assist by Félix), Ronaldo (x3) |
| Standouts | Ronaldo, Joao Félix |
| Significant Moment | Ronaldo’s penalty hat-trick |
| Next Fixtures | Almeria (friendly), Super Cup semifinal |
| Contract Update | Ronaldo extended with Al‑Nassr to 2027 |
Final Thoughts
Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive hat‑trick in the Al‑Nassr vs Rio Ave friendly wasn’t just a goal bonanza—it was a statement. The synergy with Joao Félix and Ronaldo’s unwavering quality highlight Al‑Nassr’s readiness for a competitive season ahead.
This result reinforces the club’s strategy and signals that the Saudi Pro League continues to evolve with global ambition.
