Ronaldo Hat-Trick Powers Al Nassr to 4-0 Pre-Season Win Over Rio Ave

Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his enduring class with a sensational hat-trick as Al Nassr cruised to a 4-0 victory over Portuguese side Rio Ave in a pre-season clash at the Estádio do Algarve on Thursday. The 40-year-old forward, playing in his home country, led by example as the Saudi Pro League club continued its preparations for the new season.

The scoring began early when Mohamed Simakan put Al Nassr ahead in the 15th minute, calmly slotting past Rio Ave goalkeeper Cezary Miszta after finding space inside the box. Just before the interval, Ronaldo doubled the advantage, linking up brilliantly with new signing João Félix before firing home.

Rio Ave attempted to mount a response after the break, but ill-discipline proved costly. Nelson Abbey handled the ball inside the area, gifting Al Nassr a penalty. Ronaldo, showing leadership, allowed Sadio Mané to take the spot-kick, but the Senegalese forward’s effort was saved. Undeterred, the Portuguese star pounced just 16 seconds later, heading in his second goal of the night.

Abbey’s troubles deepened when he fouled Félix inside the box, leading to a second penalty for Al Nassr. This time, Ronaldo took matters into his own hands, calmly converting to seal his hat-trick and put the result beyond doubt.

The performance underlined Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency since joining Al Nassr in late 2022 following his Manchester United departure. In 105 appearances for the Saudi side, he has now scored an astonishing 93 goals.

The match also marked a promising start for Félix, who recently joined the club and immediately made an impact with an assist and a penalty-winning run. The Portuguese duo’s chemistry will likely be a key weapon for Al Nassr in the upcoming season.

Speculation over Ronaldo’s future had intensified earlier this summer after Al Nassr failed to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. However, those doubts were quickly dispelled when the forward signed a two-year contract extension, committing to the club until 2026.

Al Nassr’s pre-season campaign will continue against Spanish second-division side UD Almería on August 10, before the team turns its attention to competitive action. The Saudi Super Cup semifinal against Al Ittihad on August 19 will be the club’s first major test of the season.

For now, though, Ronaldo’s hat-trick is the talk of the Algarve — a timely reminder that, even at 40, the legendary forward remains one of football’s most lethal finishers.