Faro, Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo was in scintillating form, scoring a stunning hat-trick as Al-Nassr cruised to a 4-0 victory over Portuguese side Rio Ave in a pre-season friendly at the Estádio Algarve. The Portuguese superstar, playing in front of an adoring home crowd, was at his clinical best, finding the net three times in the second half.
The Saudi Arabian club took the lead in the first half through a 15th-minute strike from new signing Mohamed Simakan. However, it was after the interval that Ronaldo truly stole the show. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner opened his account in the 44th minute, before adding two more goals in quick succession in the 63rd and 68th minutes to complete his treble and seal a comprehensive win for his side.
The friendly match is part of Al-Nassr’s pre-season preparations. The team is next scheduled to face Spanish club Almeria on Sunday in their final warm-up game before the start of the new season. Ronaldo’s sharp performance will be a welcome sign for Al-Nassr as they look to build on their recent successes.