Ronaldo scores to secure Pioli's debut victory; Toney nets first goals in Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring as Al Nassr secured a 3-0 victory over Al Ettifaq, giving Stefano Pioli a win in his first match as head coach on Friday. Pioli, appointed just two days prior, replaced Luis Castro after Al Nassr's slow start to the season, with only one win in three Saudi Pro League matches.
Ronaldo, who missed the team's AFC Champions League draw against Al-Shorta due to illness, netted his third goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute. Salem Al-Najdi and Anderson Talisca added goals in the second half to seal the win.
The defeat marked Al Ettifaq’s first loss of the season, though Steven Gerrard's team remains in third place, while Al Nassr climbed to fourth. Meanwhile, two goals from Ivan Toney helped Al Ahli defeat Damac 4-2, lifting them to fifth in the standings. Toney, who joined from Brentford in August, scored his first goals for the club, with Roberto Firmino adding another.
Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, first and second respectively, are set to clash on Saturday.
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