Al Nassr looked destined for frustration after falling behind early, but their 40-year-old captain refused to let the streak die. Ronaldo’s leadership, energy, and precision turned another tense night into a statement of intent.

The visitors stunned the home crowd midway through the first half when Al Fayha’s Jason capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot past Nawaf Alaqidi. It was a rare moment of sloppiness from Luis Castro’s men, who had dominated possession without a breakthrough.

But the equalizer arrived just before the break. João Félix slipped a clever pass into the box, Kingsley Coman cut it across goal, and Ronaldo arrived on cue a touch, a turn, and a cool finish.

The second half became a siege on the Al Fayha goal. Sadio Mané and Félix both went close, while Ronaldo was denied twice by desperate blocks. As the minutes ticked away, frustration grew in the stands until VAR intervened deep into stoppage time.

After a handball check inside the box, Al Nassr was awarded a penalty in the 95th minute. Ronaldo, ever the picture of calm, stepped up, took his signature staggered run-up, and powered the ball high into the net. Cue chaos in Riyadh.

The result keeps Al Nassr top of the table with seven wins from seven, continuing their flawless league campaign. It also extends Ronaldo’s personal tally to eight goals in the competition, reaffirming his place as the league’s defining figure.

Speaking after the game, Ronaldo said: “Pressure is a privilege. I live for these moments. The team showed belief, and that’s what champions do.” Coach Luis Castro echoed the sentiment, praising the veteran’s “unbreakable mentality and unmatched influence.”

The win wasn’t perfect defensive lapses and missed chances gave Castro plenty to think about but once again, Ronaldo’s brilliance papered over the cracks. When the moment called for a savior, there was only ever one answer.