Cristiano Ronaldo and goals ‘a perfect mix,’ says Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro after wonder strike

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo and goals go together like the perfect couple, said Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro, after the superstar’s stunning double over Al-Okhdood took his tally to 15 goals in 13 Roshn Saudi League games this season.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, the top scorer in the Roshn Saudi League, netted twice in the 77th and 80th minutes to seal Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Friday night.

Ronaldo’s first goal saw him power home a right-footed shot at the near post from an acute angle. It was his second goal, however, that truly took the plaudits. Seizing on a ricochet from opposition goalkeeper Paulo Vitor’s slide-tackle outside his box, Ronaldo chested the ball down 40 yards out before side-footing a sublime lob over the heads of the keeper and retreating defenders into the net.

Interlocking his fingers on both hands, Castro said: “Goals and Cristiano are a perfect mix (like this). The second goal, Cristiano shows perfect vision. It’s very difficult to do this, but Cristiano is different. When you are No. 1 in the world, everything is possible.

“Cristiano is a fantastic player. He has had fantastic moments this season and it’s just natural for him. He is a pleasure to work with in training and playing.”

Taking to social media, Ronaldo, who now has 18 goals from 18 Al-Nassr appearances in all competitions this season, said: “Happy weekend everyone!”

The win had seen Sami Al-Najei open the scoring after 13 minutes and take Al-Nassr to 34 points from 14 Roshn Saudi League games. The Jeddah giants now sit one point behind Riyadh rivals and table toppers Al-Hilal, who travel to play Al-Hazm on Saturday.

Al-Hilal play Al-Nassr in the much-anticipated Riyadh Derby on Friday at 9