Ronaldo hat-trick and Mane brace inspire Al-Nassr to thumping win

Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick and Sadio Mane's brace gave Al-Nassr their first win of the Saudi Pro League season at Al-Fateh on Friday night.

A back-heeled assist from Ronaldo to Mane helped break the deadlock after 27 minutes before the Portuguese forward opened his account for the season before half-time.

After the break, the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United striker netted his second and Mane made it 4-0 to the visitors with nine minutes remaining.

Ronaldo then completed his hat-trick and the 5-0 romp in stoppage time, giving Luis Castro's side their first three points of the 2023-24 campaign.

Pleased with his third hat-trick for the Saudi club, Ronaldo said: "Another incredible team effort.

"As I said last season, the Saudi league will improve and will be one of the best leagues in the world.

"I'm happy here and I'd like to thank Saudi Arabia for having me and making me feel so happy."

Al-Nassr handed defender Aymeric Laporte his debut for the club following his arrival from Manchester City on Thursday.

Portuguese midfielder Otavio — signed from Porto on Tuesday — was also given his first appearance.

Opening defeats to Al-Ettifaq and Al-Taawoun means Al-Nassr now sit 10th in the table on three points from their three league games so far this season.

Al-Ittihad remain top of the division from Al-Ahli on goal difference with a perfect record of three wins from three games.

Karim Benzema bagged his first goal for the club to open the scoring in their victory at Al-Riyadh on Thursday.