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Cristiano Ronaldo's back in the goals! Superstar ends mini-drought to fire Al-Nassr to King Cup of Champions final at Al-Khaleej's expense

AFC Champions League Elite

Al Nassr FC

Al-Ain

Saudi Pro League

Al Fateh FC

Al Khaleej

Nassr and Khaleej met in the semi-final of the King Cup of Champions on Wednesday and, once again, Ronaldo was central to his side's success, scoring twice to end a mini goal-drought of two games.Khaleej had a fine chance to open the scoring but a free header was sent over the crossbar, after Ronaldo saw two efforts saved in the opening 10 minutes.The 39-year-old did open the scoring after a quarter of an hour, capitalising on an absolutely terrible piece of goalkeeping. An attempted clearance was blocked, and the ex-Real Madrid superstar was able to spin and loop a half-volley into the bottom corner.And a second came through Sadio Mane, as he converted a penalty after a handball in the area; Ronaldo refused to take the kick, allowing the former Liverpool star to step up and find the top corner.The Portugal international added a third just before the hour mark, tapping in at the back post after his initial shot was saved.Fawaz Al-Torais pulled a goal back late on, as he finished a fine cross, but it was nothing more than a consolation, meaning Nassr have punched their ticket to the final against Al-Hilal.

TELL ME MORE

It has to be Ronaldo. The Portugal superstar was exceptional, scoring a fantastic effort on the spin, as well as a tap-in, and Khaleej simply could not deal with his presence up front. That he also sacrificed a hat-trick by handing Mane the responsibility to score from the penalty spot ensures his spot as the MVP.

THE MVP

Ibrahim Sehic in the Khaleej goal made a dreadful error to hand Ronaldo his opener. Attempting to clear the ball, he was charged down, and his clearance did not even leave the penalty area. In a semi-final, one simply cannot make an error like that, and he was naturally punished.

THE BIG LOSER

Nassr will be back in action this weekend against Al-Wehda, although their title hopes are all but over. They sit nine points behind unbeaten leaders Al-Hilal, although the two teams will play each other before the end of the season, once in the league and again in the final of the King Cup of Champions.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Ronaldo's stellar performance has led Al Nassr to victory, securing a spot in the King Cup of Champions Final. For football enthusiasts following the sport's twists and turns, the excitement extends beyond the pitch. If you're feeling inspired to get involved in the action, don't miss the opportunity to leverage the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/betting/1xbet-promo-code-india/blt60f7f1e933d28415" target="_blank">1xbet promo code</a>, bringing even more excitement to the game.

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐

Cristiano Ronaldo's back in the goals! Superstar ends mini-drought to fire Al-Nassr to King Cup of Champions final at Al-Khaleej's expense | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace as Al-Nassr beat Al-Khaleej 3-0 to reach the final of the King Cup of Champions on Thursday.