Ronaldo wasted no time in making an impact after the mid-season break, scoring as Al-Nassr secured a 2-1 victory over Al-Fateh, narrowing the gap to leaders Al-Hilal to just four points.
In what proved to be an entertaining and open match, Al-Nassr secured their fifth consecutive league victory, edging out Al-Fateh 2-1 and closing the gap to leaders Al-Hilal to just four points.
The opening goal arrived in the 17th minute in a straightforward yet clinical manner. Sultan Al-Ghannam's low pass from the right found Ronaldo in the area, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner for his 21st league goal of the season, following his midweek goal in the Asian Champions League.
Al-Fateh leveled the score just before the half-hour mark through Salem Al-Najdi. The Yellows failed to clear a free-kick, allowing the 21-year-old to shoot into the top corner past goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah, who had replaced Raghed A-Najjar due to injury. A-Najjar's inclusion came as Nawaf Al-Aqidi served a suspension from the Saudi Football Federation after questions arose regarding his commitment following remarks made by national team coach Roberto Mancini.
Al-Nassr faced a goalkeeping dilemma with David Ospina also sidelined due to injury, while concerns lingered over the fitness of Al-Ghannam and Otavio, both of whom were substituted late in the game.
Early in the second half, Al-Fateh missed a golden opportunity to take the lead as Djaniny struck the post from close range, with Lucas Zelarayan squandering the rebound by shooting straight at Al-Najjar.
Despite Al-Fateh's dominance, a penalty claim after Murad Batna was brought down by Aymeric Laporte was dismissed by VAR.
Just before the hour mark, Cristian Tello forced another save from the stand-in goalkeeper with a shot from the left.
Al-Nassr regained the lead when Al-Ghannam delivered a perfect cross from the right, allowing Otavio to dive and head the ball into the net.
Al-Fateh persisted in their attacking efforts but failed to find an equalizer, remaining in seventh place.
Al-Hilal had the chance to extend their lead at the top with a home fixture against Al-Raed on Sunday.