Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Al Nassr maintained their perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season with a 2-1 victory over Al Taawoun on Friday.

The 41-year-old led the line for Al Nassr, who had to come from behind once again following their remarkable 3-2 triumph against Al Ettifaq on Tuesday. Mohammed Bassam Al Hurayji gave Al Taawoun an early lead in the 11th minute, but Samú Costa equalized in first-half stoppage time before Ronaldo notched his 978th career goal.

João Félix broke into the area and his cutback found Mohamed Simakan on the edge of the box, whose goal-bound effort was flicked in by Ronaldo from six yards in the 50th minute. Replays confirmed the strike would have found the bottom corner, as Al Nassr made it four wins in four games to top the table.

Ronaldo played the full match this time around, in contrast to his brief appearance against Al Ettifaq where he was sacrificed by former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou after goalkeeper Bento was sent off and the side trailed 2-0 at halftime.