Odion Ighalo Outshines Cristiano Ronaldo, Scores Brace As Al Hilal Defeat Al Nassr

• Odion Ighalo was the star of the show as Al-Hilal thrashed Cristiano Ronaldo-captained Al-Nassr
• Ronaldo's side suffered a massive blow in the title race as they sit three points behind Al-Ittihad
• Ighalo has now taken his tally in the Saudi top flight to 18 in 22 matches to lead the score charts

Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo was the star of the match after scoring a brace in Al-Hilal’s 2-0 win over Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Ighalo scored from the penalty spot in the 42nd and 62nd minutes, to ensure his side claimed all three points at home against the Cristiano Ronaldo-captained side.

As the race for the title blows open, Al-Nassr are now three points behind league leaders, Al-Ittihad, who have one game in hand, as the race for the title blows open.

Ighalo has now scored 18 goals in 22 matches to lead the scorer’s chart, even though he failed to find the net in three of their previous matches.

The Ronaldo influence: young girl in Al-Nassr jersey copies superstar's trademark 'Siuuu' celebration

Football

With 49 points on the standings, Al-Hilal remain in fourth place, seven points behind leaders, Al-Ittihad.

Sports Brief previously reported on Ighalo netting four goals in Al-Hilal's 7-0 win over Al-Duhail, to reach the final of the Asian Champions League.

Since his move to Saudi Arabia, the former Watford striker has been in incredible form, attracting interest from a number of clubs in Europe.

Ronaldo's side had lost two and drawn one of their last three games, and the loss halted a run of four games without defeat, Complete Sports reports.

Ighalo hails Ronaldo

Sports Brief has also reported on Ighalo hailing Ronaldo as a great, backing the Portuguese superstar to excel in Saudi Arabia.

The veteran had a disappointing start to life in the Gulf state following his blockbuster move, blanking some crucial club games.

This had drawn criticism from many, with some suggesting Al-Nassr had made the wrong choice to part with Vincent Aboubakar.