Cristiano Ronaldo shows he’s as ruthless as ever, shooting blind through thick smoke to score the first of two goals in Al-Nassr’s win over Al-Ahli – another big-spending team backed by Saudi Arabia’s PIF

Cristiano Ronaldo made the most of both terrible defending and smoke to set Al-Nasr on their way to victory against Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

With just four minutes left on the clock, Ronaldo gave his side the perfect start against Al-Ahli, including Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Portuguese forward collected a pass from Sadio Mane before taking advantage of poor defending to slot past the goalkeeper through a plume of smoke after some pre-match fireworks.

Ronaldo celebrated in characteristic fashion after scoring his seventh goal of the season, and later found the net again to secure victory for his side.

Former Benfica midfielder Anderson Talisca bagged a brace either side of ex-AC Milan man Frank Kessie to pull a first-half goal back for Al-Ahli.

Riyad Mahrez then scored his second goal for Al-Ahli since joining from Manchester City, netting a penalty early in the second half.

Ronaldo dispelled any hopes of a comeback just two minutes later when he scored his second goal of the night after an assist from Talisca.

Firas Al Buraikan scored a late goal back for Al-Ahli, but it was not enough to deny Al-Nasr and Ronaldo the win.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has now scored eight goals in just five appearances, helping Al-Nasr to a four-match winning run that has put them back in title contention.

They are now just three points behind Nuno Espirito Santo’s league leaders Al-Ittihad.

Al-Nasr overcame an Al-Ahli side that included former Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino

The night belonged to Ronaldo as he helped his side continue a four-match winning run

Al-Ittihad took top spot from Neymar’s Al-Hilal on Friday after beating Al-Fateh 2-1 thanks to a goal and an assist from N’Golo Kante.

Neither Neymar nor Aleksandar Mitrovic found the net for the former league leaders as they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Damac, who are yet to record a win this season.

There was a victory for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq, who defeated Al Tai 4-3. Former Celtic striker Mousa Dembele helped himself to a brace, while Georginio Wijnaldum also scored two goals.

Gerrard’s side, captained by former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson, are fourth in the top flight table – one point ahead of Ronaldo and Al-Nasr.