Saudi League: Ronaldo, Talisca Bag Brace As Al Nassr Beat Firmino’s Al Ahli in 7 Goal Thriller

• Al-Nassr got the better of Al-Ahli on match day seven in the Saudi Pro League
• The most anticipated fixture of the match day delivered a heart-pounding encounter, featuring a total of seven goals
• Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez and a host of other top stars all got on the scoresheet

Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson Talisca both scored two goals each as Al-Nassr triumphed in a thrilling seven-goal encounter against Al-Ahli at Al-Awwal Park on Friday evening.

The Knights of Najd, who had been on a six-game winning streak leading up to the top-liner against Ahli, added the newly promoted side to their list of victories on the eve of Saudi National Day.

Luis Castro's squad made a quick start to the game, with star player Cristiano Ronaldo scoring despite his vision being hindered by smoke from flares, placing a low shot into the bottom left corner, Sky Sports reports.

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Ronaldo had a chance to double the lead shortly after his opener but saw his effort inexplicably hit the post with the open net beckoning as the home side continued to press Ahli's defence with relentless attacks.

Their persistence paid off when Brazilian forward Talisca headed home a goal in the 17th minute, set up by former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte.

The visitors managed to reduce the deficit through midfielder Franck Kessie, who expertly finished a perfectly timed pass into the net in the 30th minute.

However, Al-Nassr reestablished their two-goal lead just before halftime when Talisca scored a remarkable goal against the run of play.

Ahli began the second half aggressively, reducing the deficit once more with a penalty converted by Riyad Mahrez, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a composed effort.

But Ronaldo had other plans, dribbling past his marker and unleashing an unstoppable shot beyond Edouard Mendy, much to the delight of the home crowd, just two minutes after Mahrez's goal, per GOAL.

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To add to the excitement, Fares Al Brikan scored a late goal for Ahli, setting the stage for a tense finish.

However, Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr teammates managed to hold on to secure all three points and move ahead of Ahli in the standings, trailing second-placed Al-Hilal by two points and Al-Ittihad by an additional point.

Ronaldo performs Saudi traditional dance

Relatedly, Sports Brief reported on Cristiano Ronaldo hitting the mark for Al-Nassr in a matchup against Al-Ahli, delighting fans with a new celebration.

Following his goal, the 38-year-old not only marked it with his signature 'siuu' celebration but also incorporated a traditional Saudi dance, adding to the excitement.