Al Hilal 2-0 Al Nassr (Saudi Pro League) 2023.04.19 | Result as Cristiano Ronaldo goal and penalty erased in Riyadh derby loss

Al Hilal vs Al Nassr score, result as Cristiano Ronaldo goal and penalty erased in Riyadh derby loss

Al Nassr's bid to win the 2022/23 Saudi Pro League table is fading fast after a crushing 2-0 loss to Saudi power Al Hilal on Tuesday night in a Riyadh derby match.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr had a chance to catch Al Ittihad atop the table, but instead they dropped points for the second consecutive match. They are now three points back with just six games remaining, and leaders Al Ittihad also have a game in hand and could further extend their advantage.

Two penalty goals by Saudi Pro League top scorer Odion Ighalo (18 goals) decided the Riyadh derby. Both were decisions by English Premier League referee Michael Oliver, who was the latest brought from overseas to officiate a match in the Saudi league.

Al Hilal entered the match without a realistic hope at winning the title, back in fourth place, but they dominated the first half and deservedly went into halftime up 1-0 after a handball in the box was spotted by Oliver.

After the break, Al Nassr made two changes and started the second half strong, but when the slippery Al Hilal attacker Michael was brought down in the box, a second Ighalo penalty ended Al Nassr's hopes of a comeback.

Ronaldo thought he had a late penalty, only for a VAR check to scratch the attempt. He also scored a late goal, but he was ruled offside on the play on a frustrating evening.