Just days before the official season kicks off, Al Nassr cruised to a 4–0 win over Portuguese side Rio Ave in a preseason warm-up. Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the match, delivering an impressive hat-trick.
This Thursday’s match at the Algarve Stadium in Faro, Portugal, marked the third preseason game for Jorge Jesus’ squad. With the goal of building peak physical form and adjusting to the new coach’s tactical approach, Al Nassr previously played against SK St. Johann of Austria and Toulouse of France, earning 5–2 and 2–1 victories, respectively.
This clash with Rio Ave provided a competitive test, featuring a team from Portugal’s top-flight Primeira Liga. It also gave the coach an opportunity to field a starting lineup featuring most of the team’s star players. In addition to Ronaldo, notable names included Joao Felix and Sadio Mane.
Felix was the one who got things going for Al Nassr. In the 15th minute of the first half, the Portuguese forward received a cross from the left and headed it down to Mohamed Simakan, who managed to redirect the ball past goalkeeper Cezary Miszta.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores a hat-trick
With the early lead secured, Al Nassr controlled the game with relative ease, relying on the quality and experience of their players. In that rhythm, CR7 stepped up just before halftime to double the lead with a stunning goal.
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In the 43rd minute, following an extended possession sequence involving several teammates, Wesley played a pass to Cristiano, who quickly laid it off to Felix. The former Chelsea player took his time to control the ball and waited for Ronaldo to make his run into the box. After receiving the return pass from Joao, Ronaldo struck a powerful right-footed shot to score a brilliant goal.
And in the second half, the Portuguese superstar added two more goals. The first came in the 63rd minute with a header off a cross from Wesley. Just moments later, from the penalty spot, Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a precise finish. With the job done, coach Jorge Jesus subbed him off for Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
What’s next for Al Nassr?
Following the match against Rio Ave, Al Nassr have just one more game left on their European preseason tour. This Sunday, they’ll travel to Spain to face Almeria at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos in their final tune-up before the official season begins.
After that match, Al Nassr will return to Asia and shift their focus to their competitive debut, which is set for Tuesday, August 19, in the semifinals of the Saudi Super Cup—against none other than the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad.
