Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr wins 3-0 in Pioli"s debut

Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Al-Nassr's 3-0 victory over Ettifaq, marking a successful debut for new coach Stefano Pioli. The match took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, where Ronaldo scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, bringing his season tally to three goals. This win was crucial for Al-Nassr, who had struggled at the start of the season, managing only one win in their first three matches in the Saudi Pro League. Stefano Pioli, who previously led AC Milan to a Serie A title in 2022, was appointed as Al-Nassr's head coach just two days before the match, following the dismissal of Luis Castro. Castro's departure was prompted by the team's disappointing performance, which included a recent draw in the AFC Champions League. Pioli's immediate impact was evident as the team displayed a more cohesive and effective style of play. In the second half, Salem Al-Najdi and Anderson Talisca contributed to the scoreline, solidifying the team's dominance in the match. This defeat marked the first loss of the season for Ettifaq, who remained in third place in the league standings despite the setback. Al-Nassr's victory allowed them to climb to fourth place, showcasing the potential for improvement under Pioli's leadership. The match also highlighted the competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad currently leading the standings. As the season progresses, Al-Nassr's performance will be closely monitored, especially with the new coaching direction aiming to enhance their league position and overall success.