Cristiano Ronaldo scores a ridiculous brace! Portugal icon nets two sensational goals in comfortable win over Al Akhdoud: GOAL grades every performance from the Al-Nassr superstar in the 2023-24 season

Throughout the entire campaign, GOAL will be assessing the performances of the five-time Ballon d'Or recipient in Saudi Arabia.

Despite the arrival of fresh talents in the Saudi Pro League during the summer, there's a particular player fans are eagerly anticipating seeing in action: Cristiano Ronaldo. After joining Al-Nassr in January, the Portuguese icon is set to embark on a complete campaign with the club.

Although Ronaldo and his new team fell short in the title race last season, he's determined to avoid a repeat. With notable personalities now part of the league, competing to outshine the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo is motivated to maintain his status as the dominant force in his new environment.

GOAL is committed to keeping you informed about Ronaldo's performances in his inaugural full season in the Middle East. We'll be closely observing and providing evaluations of his displays in every outing throughout the 2023-24 season.

November 24: Al-Nassr 3-0 Al Akhdoud Match

Cristiano Ronaldo netted two outstanding goals for Al-Nassr, leading them to a convincing victory on Friday evening.

Sami Al Naji initiated the scoring by slotting in a cut-back from Sultan Al-Ghannam, leaving Ronaldo as a spectator to the successful conversion.

Despite appearing to sustain an injury in a robust collision within the box, Ronaldo showcased his brilliance by skillfully controlling an off-target goalkeeper punch and slotting the ball home at the near post for a superb goal.

Undeterred by the potential injury, he went on to score one of his finest goals, executing a lob from 30 yards into the net as the goalkeeper rushed out.

Considering the outstanding performance, particularly in light of the possible injury, Ronaldo's display merits an exceptional rating: A+.

November 11: Al-Wehda 1-3 Al-Nassr Match, Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo secured his 13th goal of the Saudi Pro League season, contributing to Al-Nassr's 4-1 victory against Al-Wehda. Despite some promising moments from the opponents, the Riyadh club had a relaxed afternoon, kick-started by a delightful free-kick goal from Alex Telles that curled into the box, leaving goalkeeper Munir as a mere spectator. Sadio Mane had a near miss with a headed attempt, which bounced off the ground and was tipped over the bar.

Throughout the first half, the home team seemed poised to equalize, but it was Al-Nassr's defender Abdulelah Al Amri who rose to head in the next goal from Marcelo Brozovic's corner.

In the early second half, Ronaldo missed an opportunity to make it 3-0, but he swiftly capitalized on a defensive error from Al-Wehda, setting him up for a straightforward finish.

Although Al-Nassr thought they added another goal just after the hour mark, a VAR review ruled Ronaldo offside and interfering with play as the ball entered the net off Anderson Talisca.

Despite Anselmo pulling one back for Al-Wehda in the 81st minute, the damage was already done. Despite a last-minute goal being disallowed after a VAR review, it was a comfortable day for Ronaldo and his team. Overall performance: B-.

November 4: Al-Nassr 2-0 Al-Khaleej Match, Pro League

Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Al-Nassr's 2-0 victory over Al-Khaleej in Riyadh, extending their undefeated streak to 16 matches across all competitions. The Portugal international netted a powerful shot from outside the box, beating Al-Khaleej goalkeeper Marwan Al-Haidari 26 minutes into the Saudi Pro League clash. This goal followed Sadio Mane's disallowed goal due to an offside ruling after an extensive VAR review.

After a period with limited scoring opportunities for both teams, Ronaldo once again proved instrumental. This time, he met a free-kick at the back post, delivering it across the goal for Aymeric Laporte to slot into the empty net.

In a match characterized by a lack of excitement in Saudi Arabia, Al-Nassr can be grateful for Ronaldo's contributions, securing the win and keeping them four points behind Al-Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Pro League. Overall performance: B.

October 31: Al-Nassr 1-0 Al-Ettifaq Match, King Cup of Champions

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to find his form as Al-Nassr narrowly defeated Al-Ettifaq in the King Cup of Champions, with Sadio Mane securing an extra-time victory.

The match saw both teams reduced to 10 men after Anderson Talisca's dismissal just before half-time and Ali Hazazi's red card in the 89th minute at the KSU Stadium.

Despite Nassr's dominance with 16 shots on goal and 60% possession compared to Steven Gerrard's side's six efforts, the breakthrough came in the 107th minute when Alex Telles' cross set up Mane for the decisive goal.

Ronaldo missed several opportunities and clashed with referee Piero Maza Gomez. He was booked for dissent in the first half after disputing a non-awarded free-kick just outside the box. In the second half, a contentious VAR review led to the disallowance of Ronaldo's goal for offside, prompting his protests and the substitution symbol.

Tensions escalated as Talisca was sent off, drawing further objections from Ronaldo. The second half was quieter, and Ronaldo had a chance to secure victory in normal time, but his shot from 12 yards was blocked. Mane's contribution ultimately made the difference, leaving Ronaldo with a less-than-ideal performance.

Overall assessment: D.

October 28: Al-Feiha 1-3 Al-Nassr Match, Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Al-Nassr's 3-1 victory over Al-Feiha, despite an overall subdued performance from the star forward.

After a goalless first half where both teams missed opportunities, Ronaldo assisted Anderson Talisca for the opening goal just five minutes into the second half. Following a narrowly missed header by Ronaldo, a swift combination allowed him to set up Talisca on the edge of the box, resulting in a deflected shot that beat the goalkeeper.

Although Ronaldo had a chance to make it 2-0, he lost possession without taking the shot. Al-Nassr quickly regained control, and Sadio Mane found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Talisca later scored the second goal for Al-Nassr, but Al-Feiha pulled one back through Hussain Al Shuwaish.

Despite the opposition's response, Otavio secured Al-Nassr's two-goal lead with a curling shot from outside the box. The second-half performance marked a significant improvement, propelling Ronaldo and the team to second place in the Saudi Pro League.

Overall evaluation: C.

October 24: Al-Nassr 4-3 Al Duhail Match, AFC Champions League

Having secured victories in their initial two AFC Champions League encounters, Nassr approached this meeting with Qatari side Duhail fully aware that a triumph would position them on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Ronaldo was evidently attuned to this objective and played a crucial part in breaking the deadlock for the home team. The Portuguese superstar executed a graceful backheel, setting up Anderson Talisca, who unleashed a successful long-range shot.

Although Duhail believed they had equalized early in the second half, a one-on-one situation resulted in a disallowed goal for offside. Quickly responding, Nassr added a second goal as Sadio Mane controlled a cross and calmly finished, following Ronaldo's mistimed header attempt.

In the 60th minute, Ronaldo contributed a remarkable third goal, curling a superb effort into the top corner from 25 yards, seemingly securing the win. Remarkably, Duhail swiftly pulled back two goals in the 63rd and 67th minutes.

Undeterred, Ronaldo scored his second and Nassr's fourth with an impressive volley on the run after a superb lofted through ball. Despite another Duhail goal, Ronaldo and his team held on to clinch a thrilling victory, showcasing the sheer brilliance of the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend.

Overall performance rating: A+.

October 21: Al-Nassr 2-1 Damac Match, Pro League

Once again, Ronaldo played a decisive role for Al-Nassr, securing a 2-1 victory with a remarkable free-kick as they had to come from behind in a closely contested Pro League match.

Damac, lacking star-studded big-money imports, took the lead with ex-Tottenham player Georges-Kevin Nkoudou's cool finish in a one-on-one situation just before halftime.

Ronaldo, seemingly tripped in the penalty area earlier, was denied a penalty as the referee remained unmoved. His apparent equalizer with a clever header just after halftime was correctly ruled offside.

Anderson Talisca leveled the score, converting a free-kick from the edge of the box, with Ronaldo playing the role of the dummy taker in the routine. Shortly thereafter, Ronaldo executed a stunning free-kick, finding the top corner.

Although Nassr had to defend to secure the three points, they successfully did so, marking another victory, courtesy of Ronaldo's heroics.

Overall performance rating: A.

October 6: Al-Nassr 2-2 Abha Match, Pro League

Ronaldo faced difficulties making an impact as Al-Nassr dropped points against a lower-ranked team in the Pro League. Despite being influential in the build-up to the opening goal, delivering a well-weighted backheel to Marcelo Brozovic, who assisted Otavio for a 1-0 lead within five minutes, Ronaldo's overall contribution was limited on a day that should have been straightforward.

While the 38-year-old played a crucial role in the initial goal, his performance for the remaining 85 minutes was marked by misfires. Despite having a clear opportunity to make it 2-0 with a free header within 15 minutes, Ronaldo sent the ball over the bar, expressing frustration. He struggled to capitalize on subsequent half chances, including missing a cutback from Sadio Mane. Meanwhile, the game continued with energy around him.

Although Talisca extended the lead to 2-0, Abha mounted a response. Saad Bguir converted a penalty, and in second-half stoppage time, Karl Toko Ekambi secured a 2-2 draw with a powerful shot from 25 yards. In the closing moments, Ronaldo was caught offside during Al Nassr's last attack, fittingly concluding a subpar showing from the star striker.

Overall performance rating: C.