The week in Asia's major football leagues

HONG KONG : Highlights from the week in Asia's major football leagues:

RONALDO CLAIMS TWO ASSISTS AS AL NASSR STAY ON TOP

Cristiano Ronaldo set up both goals in Al Nassr's 2-1 win over Al Taawon on Friday to ensure the Riyadh-based club remain in pole position in the Saudi Pro League.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward teed up Abdulrahman Ghareeb to open the scoring in the 17th minute with a defence-splitting pass from just inside his own half, allowing the Saudi international to stroke the ball home.

Alvaro Medran levelled for Al Taawon two minutes into the second half only for Ronaldo to play a vital role in the winner, redirecting the ball for Abdullah Madu to score with 12 minutes remaining.

MARINOS KICK OFF J.LEAGUE TITLE DEFENCE WITH WIN

Champions Yokohama F Marinos made a winning start to the new J.League season on Friday when Kevin Muscat's side handed last year's runners-up Kawasaki Frontale a 2-1 defeat at Todoroki Stadium.

Takuma Nishimura gave Marinos the lead with four minutes on the clock before Brazilian striker Elber doubled his side's advantage seven minutes before the break.

Kento Tachibanada pulled one back in injury time for Frontale, who finished two points behind Marinos last season, but the champions held on to take the points.

CITY EDGED IN MELBOURNE DERBY

A-League leaders Melbourne City suffered a rare defeat when they were handed a 3-2 loss by crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday.

City still lead the standings by seven points from Central Coast Mariners despite the loss, which came against a Victory outfit that is struggling in 10th place in the 12-team standings.

Former City midfielder Bruno Fornaroli scored Victory's second after Damien da Silva had seen his opener cancelled