By Adegboyega Adeleye

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 982nd official career goal as Al Nassr defeated Al Faisaly 3-1 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, moving the Portugal captain 18 goals away from reaching the historic 1,000-goal milestone.

The 41-year-old forward struck in the 49th minute, heading home a delivery from compatriot João Félix to double Al Nassr’s advantage at Majmaah Sports City Stadium.

Ronaldo’s latest goal ended a spell without scoring since his effort against Neftchi Fargona in the AFC Champions League Elite on October 12, bringing his tally for club and country to 982.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner thought he had scored again shortly afterwards, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a review.

Abdullah Al-Hamdan opened the scoring for Al Nassr early in the first half, finishing a move involving Sadio Mané to give the visitors the lead.

Al Faisaly reduced the deficit through Theo Bongonda, who headed home Mohammed Al Shanqiti’s cross, but Al Nassr restored their two-goal cushion when Ângelo Gabriel scored in the 79th minute after being set up by Al-Hamdan.

The victory was Al Nassr’s third consecutive win, following victories over Al-Diriyah and Neom, and kept them firmly in the Saudi Pro League title race.

Al Nassr moved to 25 points, level with leaders Al-Qadsiah, who had a game in hand ahead of their fixture against Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal are third, one point behind the leading pair, with a postponed match still to play.