CRISTIANO Ronaldo was on the pitch last night but the biggest star of the Riyadh derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr was Odion Ighalo.
The Super Eagles striker scored twice to earn Al-Hilal a 2-0 win in the Saudi Pro League clash while a frustrated Ronaldo was lucky to escape with only a yellow card for a wrestling move against an opponent.
Ighalo struck twice from the penalty spot to take Al-Hilal closer to AFC Champions League qualification, while Al Nassr slipped up in the title race.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring with three minutes to half-time and converted again from the spot in the 62nd minute to take his tally to 18 goals this season, making him the outright top scorer in the league.
Ronaldo, the biggest name in the Saudi Arabian top flight who is on a reported $200m a year deal, cut a forlorn figure as Al Nassr, who were leading the league before his arrival in January, fell three points behind leaders Al Ittihad, who have a game in hand.
The 38-year-old Portuguese superstar was given a yellow card by English referee Michael Oliver in the 57th minute after taking down an opponent in a World Wrestling Entertainment-style headlock.
Ronaldo has been in good form since joining Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa’s former club after terminating his contract with Manchester United.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has registered 11 goals and two assists in his first 11 league games for Al Nassr, who are in search of their first title since 2019.
On his part, Ighalo, 33, has registered 18 goals and two assists in 22 league appearances for fourth-place Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s most successful club.
