CR7 Strikes Again: Ronaldo Scores Hat Trick in 4 0 Thrashing of Rio Ave

Cristiano Ronaldo reminded one again why his name is still being heard and spoken about at every corner and nook of the game. In Al Nassr's pre season encounter against Portuguese side Rio Ave, the 39 year-old legend pulled out a dashing display, scoring an amazing hat-trick in one-sided 4 0 victory.

It was far from a friendly match. It was a statement and to all intents and purposes, of course, by both Ronaldo and Al Nassr that come the Saudi Pro League season, they are serious business. To Riyadh, Lisbon, and all in between, there was excitement to be had from this game.

The Build-Up: Expectations, Excitement, and the Ronaldo Factor

Going into the game, the whole world was watching Cristiano Ronaldo. The question was not if he would play, but how he would do against an organized Portuguese team. Considering his age, for a long time, critics have been questioning if Ronaldo can still control games at the top level.

Ronaldo, as usual, responded to the critics the only way he can by letting football speak for itself.

Rio Ave, no European giant, came ready. They knew they were going to face not only Ronaldo, but a galaxy of an Al-Nassr team with Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and new signing João Félix. The Saudi team, coached by Jorge Jesus, has been splashing the cash when it comes to talent and tactics, aiming to be a force not just locally, but globally.

First Whistle: Ronaldo Sets the Tone Early

The game got underway in the floodlights, with the stadium alive with excitement at the prospect of witnessing CR7 play. Within a few minutes, Ronaldo signaled that this was going to be his evening.

• 7th Minute: A smooth through-ball from João Félix found Ronaldo on the edge of the box. Smooth first touch, rocket second touch into the top corner. The crowd went wild, and so did Twitter. The celebration a classic "Siuuu!" echoed across the stands.

Rio Ave, stunned by the first setback, tried to regain their footing. They could hold on to the ball for minutes at a time, but whenever Al-Nassr came forward, the Portuguese defense looked vulnerable.

The Second Strike: A Masterclass in Positioning

While the first goal was a tale of strength, the second was a tale of brains.

• 26th Minute: Sadio Mané twirled past two defenders on the left and delivered a low cross. Ronaldo, the predator that he is, floated between Rio Ave's two center backs and deposited the ball tidily beyond the keeper. No tricks, no unnecessary touches pure class finishing.

By this time, Rio Ave's tactic was in tatters. The more they pushed, the more they left behind. And with Mané and Félix opening up chances for Ronaldo to score, room is the last thing you would ever want to give him.

Halftime: The CR7 Show Steals the Headlines

As the referee blew the whistle for halftime, the Al Nassr score against Rio Ave was 2 0, Ronaldo's name gleaming brightly on it.

Twitter enthusiasts (or X, as it is presently known) had already filled timelines with highlights from the goals, praising not just the finishing, but also play between Al Nassr's new front three. Jorge Jesus appeared calm on the touchline not because the game was over, but because his blueprint for this team was clearly working out.

Second Half: Hat-Trick Hero

The second half began with Rio Ave trying to press higher up the field, hoping to catch Al-Nassr napping. But pressing hard on Ronaldo is like inviting a wolf into your sheepfold.

• 58th Minute: A lightning counter-attack saw João Félix pick up the ball in midfield and chip a pass to Ronaldo, who had made the perfect run. Only the keeper to get past, CR7 showed his composure with a sublime chip a finish infused with confidence and class.

Hat trick sealed. A repeat of yet another "Siuuu!" and another thunderscream from the crowd.

The Fourth Goal: Passing the Torch… Maybe Not Just Yet

While the headlines belonged to Ronaldo, Sadio Mané netted the fourth and final goal in the 72nd minute. It was a swift, sweeping counter from the back that included almost all of Al Nassr players. Mané's goal was the icing on the cake with a 4 0 scoreline and was proof that this team is certainly not a one man circus.

But it was hard to ignore that Ronaldo had contributed to all of those goals, either directly or indirectly.

More Than Just the Numbers: Why This Hat-Trick Matters

Others might dismiss this as "just a friendly," but to Ronaldo, it was about so much more.

• Physical Condition & Form: Most players retire at 39. Ronaldo, however, continues to be in top form. The hat trick was a testament to his relentless practice and commitment.

• Team Chemistry: For the first time, fans saw Félix, Mané, and Ronaldo share the pitch together. The initial signs are positive quick passes, seamless movement, and a team first approach.

• Global Spotlight: Ronaldo's match will always be an international spectacle. His performance did not just excite Al Nassr fans but pulled eyeballs from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, increasing the Saudi Pro League's global visibility.

Fan Reactions: Social Media Eruption

On Twitter, there were swift and weighted responses:

• "He's 39. THIRTY-NINE. And still doing this."

• "Ronaldo is not human."

• "Think being Rio Ave and believing you have a chance, and then you look in the starting XI and see CR7 there."

Videos of the chip for his third goal were viral within minutes, with pundits and retired players analyzing how Ronaldo's hunger hasn't diminished.

Manager's Take: Jorge Jesus on Ronaldo

After the game, Ronaldo's professionalism was praised by manager Jorge Jesus:

• "Cristiano trains daily as if it's his first pro season. The way he leads the team is incredible. Tonight was just a small sample of what he adds not just goals, but leadership."

Jesus also intimated that the club's attacking style will significantly entail playing to Ronaldo's strengths while opening up space for Mané and Félix to thrive.

What This Means for Al-Nassr

This victory is more than a boost in the arm. With the Saudi Pro League season on the horizon, Al Nassr rivals have been put on notice. The front three is devastating, midfield is impenetrable, and defense is apparently better organized than it was last season.

For Ronaldo, this may still be the season where he enhances his already insane goal tally. He might still perform at the same level, and the Golden Boot might be his for the taking.

Ronaldo's Legacy: Still Writing the Story

When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabia, everyone believed it was the start of the end. But nights like these dispel all those doubts. He is not here to quietly wind down his career; he is here to make noise, break records, and be an inspiration for the generations to come.

This hat-trick will be remembered, not just for the goals themselves, but for what they symbolize the indefatigable spirit of a player who will not go away.

Final Thoughts

Whether you love him, hate him, or are somewhere in between, this is one fact: Cristiano Ronaldo is still one of the most compelling figures in world football. Against Rio Ave, he did not simply score three goals; he reminded all of us why he's dubbed CR7.

At 39, with more than a few records already under his belt, he's not hungry anymore. And that hunger which the world class talent is what makes the crowds keep coming back, game after game, article after article.

If this showing is what we can look forward to from now on, then football fans are in for another season to remember. And if you're Rio Ave? Then you just got a ringside seat to the Ronaldo Show.