Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a stellar performance for Al Nassr, scoring twice to lead the Saudi champions to a 3-1 win over Al Gharafa in Qatar on Monday in the AFC Champions League Elite. The victory moves Al Nassr closer to the quarterfinals, with the team needing just two points from their final three group matches to advance.

Ronaldo, 39, endured a frustrating first half at Al Bayt Stadium, missing several chances to open the scoring. However, he broke the deadlock just seconds into the second half, heading in Sultan Al Ghannam’s pinpoint cross from close range.

Angelo Gabriel, a summer signing from Chelsea, extended Al Nassr’s lead in the 58th minute and later assisted Ronaldo for his second goal of the night in the 64th minute. The Portuguese star’s tally in this year’s competition now stands at four goals. Ronaldo was substituted in the 74th minute to a standing ovation.

Al Gharafa managed to reduce the deficit when Joselu, a former teammate of Ronaldo’s at Real Madrid, found the net. However, their hopes of a comeback were dashed after Seydou Sano received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 84th minute.

The victory keeps Al Nassr unbeaten in their group, solidifying their position in the Western side of the draw. Currently second in the 12-team table, they are well-positioned to advance, with only Al Shorta theoretically able to deny them a spot in the next round.

Ronaldo’s leadership and clinical finishing continue to drive Al Nassr’s success as they aim to secure their place among the continent’s elite clubs.