Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in 15 minutes to lift Al Nassr to a 5-3 win over Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday, moving him to 985 career goals, 15 short of 1,000.

The 41-year-old struck in the 66th, 72nd and 81st minutes at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, after Al Kholood had put up stiff resistance in the first half. Ronaldo had two goals disallowed before breaking through. His first, a left-footed finish from a João Félix pass, put Al Nassr back in front. He added a close-range header from another Félix cross, then completed the treble by converting a Sadio Mané pass inside the area. Ângelo and Mané scored the earlier goals for the hosts.

Félix was the standout performer, setting up four goals and involved in all five. Al Kholood, managed by former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham, kept the contest alive and pulled a goal back from the penalty spot through Julien Domingues late on.

The result lifted Al Nassr level at the top of the league. It was Ronaldo's first hat-trick since his last one two and a half years ago, and his first appearance since his 2008 Ballon d'Or was voted the best of all time in a fan poll marking the award's 70th anniversary.

On Instagram afterwards, Ronaldo wrote: "Great win, great team performance. Happy to help with a hat-trick!"

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