Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for Al-Nassr and needs just a few more goals to reach the 1,000-goal milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo scored three times in Al Nassr Riyadh’s 5-3 victory over Al Kholood on Thursday evening in Saudi Arabia’s top football league. The Portuguese striker has reached 985 career goals and is closing in on the milestone of 1,000 goals.

Ronaldo could have finished the match with five goals, but two of his first-half goals were disallowed for offside. After the 2-2 scoreline at halftime, the Portuguese star played a decisive role in his team pulling away in the second half.

Ronaldo’s first goal came in the 66th minute, at the end of a team move. Six minutes later, the Portuguese player scored his second with an unstoppable header, while the hat-trick was completed toward the end after a run by Sadio Mane.

Joao Felix, Ronaldo’s Portugal national team teammate, also played an important role in Al Nassr’s success, contributing decisively to four of the team’s five goals.

Ronaldo continues his pursuit of 1,000 goals on two fronts: in the Saudi Arabian league with Al Nassr and for the Portugal national team. His team is in second place with 28 points, level with provisional leaders Al-Qadsiah. Al Hilal are one point behind and have a game in hand.