Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Al-Nassr thrashed Al-Tai 5-1 in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo now boasts an excellent return of 26 goals in 23 league appearances for Al-Nassr this season, while he has scored 33 goals in 34 games in all competitions.

However, despite his impressive contribution, Al-Nassr are in second place, 12 points adrift of leaders Al-Hilal, who remain unbeaten.

Otavio gave Al-Nassr the lead but Virgil Misidjan equalised for Al-Tai. Misidjan was sent off in the first half, with Abdulrahman Gareeb restoring Al-Nassr’s advantage.

Ronaldo then took centre-stage as he hit a hat-trick, scoring in the 64th, 67th and 87th minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Al-Nassr secured a 5-1 victory at home to Al-Tai

Ronaldo showed impressive composure to net three times as he helped Al-Nassr to prevail

The 39-year-old’s first two goals came from close range before he completed his hat-trick with a header. It is Ronaldo’s first home hat-trick for Al-Nassr.

Al-Nassr are back in action on Tuesday with an away game against relegation-threatened Abha.

Ronaldo expressed his delight on X after the game as he wrote: ‘This is how we do it

‘Amazing victory and another hat-trick!’.

In total, Ronaldo has scored 44 goals in 52 appearances since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023.

Ronaldo celebrates with his team-mates after scoring for Al-Nassr, who are second in the table