Saudi Pro League Standings After Ronaldo, Al Nassr Win, Al Hilal Win and Al Ittihad Defeat

• The Saudi Pro League delivered in Gameweek 16
• Al Nassr and Al Hilal were victorious, while Al Ittihad suffered defeat
• The table has not changed much in the last few months

Matchweek 16 of the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League was eventful. Cristiano Ronaldo was on target for Al-Nassr against Al-Riyadh; Al-Hilal's unbeaten run continued while Marcelo Gallardo's Al Ittihad suffered defeat.

The biggest story of the weekend was Al Nassr bouncing back following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Al Hilal in the first Riyadh Derby of the season last week.

It was a weekend full of drama and entertainment, and Sports Brief looks at how Matchday 16 unfolded edge closer to the halfway point.

Saudi Pro League Gameweek 16 recap

Al-Hilal narrow win over Al Tai

Al Hilal, the winners of three of the last five SPL titles, followed up their impressive win in the Riyadh Derby with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Al Tai in Hail on Friday, December 8. That was their 9th straight win in the league and 16 in all competitions. They can't be stopped right now.

Saudi League Standings After Ronaldo classy brace for Al Nassr and Al Hilal's record breaking win

Football

Salem Al Dawsari and Aleksandar Mitrovic got the goals for the most in-form team in the SPL. Al Tai's Tareq Abdullah lobbed Al-Hilal's goalkeeper Yassine Bono from 30 years to pull one back for the hosts late in the first half.

Al Taawoun score four against Al Fayha

On Friday, Al Taawoun registered their second straight SPL win after beating Al Fayha 4-1 at the Al Taawoun Club Stadium.

Al Taawoun have now won nine of their 16 SPL games this season and are giving the top teams a run for their money

Ronaldo reaches new milestone in Al-Nassr win

Ronaldo scored his 16th SPL goal as Al Nassr thrashed neighbours Al Riyadh 4-1. The Portuguese veteran played his 1200th professional game.

This was a great response following their humbling in the Riyadh Derby.

Damac upsets Al Ittihad

Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad lost 3-1 away to Damac, with in-form Georges-Kevin N’Koudou bagging a brace for the hosts.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr reach Asian Champions League last 16 with Persepolis draw

Football

However, the reigning champions were without club captain Karim Benzema and all-time top scorer Romarinho.

This was their last game before the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, which they host, and that was not a great way to head into the tournament.

Al Ettifaq and Al Shabab draw

Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq drew 0-0 in an ill-tempered encounter, which saw three red cards, two for Al Shabab and one for Al Ettifaq.

Al Ettifaq have now won just one of their last ten matches, while Al Shabab are winless in their last four games.

Al Ahli stumble at home

Al Ahli were held to a barren draw by Al Raed at home meaning they have won just twice in their last seven games.

Saudi Pro League table after Gameweek 16

Alhilal are top of the pile after 16 games. They have won 14 of their 16 matches and are unbeaten this season in all competitions. They have 44 points after Gameweek 16. They are doing all these without Neymar Jr, who was ruled out for the 2023/24 season with a serious injury

Ronaldo's Al Nassr seal AFC Champions League knockout qualification despite goalless draw

Football

Ronaldo's Al Nassr are second in the Saudi Pro League table with 37 points. They bounced back after losing the Riyadh Derby.

Riyad Mahrez's Al Ahli occupy the third position with 31 points, the same as Al Taawoun. Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad are fifth with 28 points. Their title defence is not going to plan so far.

Al Raed, Al Okhdood, and Abha all have 13 points and sit 15th, 16th, and 17th in the table, respectively. Al Hazem are bottom with 11 points.

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Ronaldo reaches new milestone

Sports Brief earlier reported on Ronaldo reaching a new milestone in his glittering career.

The Al-Nassr superstar has now played 1200 professional games.

Most of those games, he has played for Real Madrid (438), Manchester United (346) and Portugal (205).