Al-Nassr took a significant step towards the Saudi Pro League title as Cristiano Ronaldo inspired a 2-0 win over Al-Ahli with a second-half strike on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old broke the deadlock with a 76th-minute header at Al-Awwal Park, helping Al-Nassr move eight points clear of second-placed Al-Hilal and 13 ahead of third-placed Al-Ahli, although both chasing sides have a game in hand.

Al-Ahli came close to taking the lead early on when Merih Demiral’s header in the 13th minute was tipped around the post by Bento. The Al-Nassr goalkeeper was barely troubled thereafter, comfortably dealing with Galeno’s long-range effort moments later.

The visitors thought they had gone ahead early in the second half through Riyad Mahrez, but the goal was quickly ruled out for offside. At the other end, Joao Felix squandered a golden opportunity, firing his first-time effort over the bar.

Felix remained influential, delivering a dangerous in-swinging free-kick in the 68th minute that evaded both Ronaldo and Mohamed Simakan. However, the breakthrough arrived soon after.

From another Felix set-piece, Ronaldo expertly flicked the ball into the far corner, beating the defender stationed on the line to give the hosts the lead. Al-Nassr then managed the game comfortably to preserve their advantage.

Kingsley Coman sealed the victory in stoppage time, firing past Edouard Mendy at the near post after a precise through ball from Aiman Yahya.

Al-Nassr have now kept 17 clean sheets in the league this season -- their highest tally in a single campaign -- including eight at home, also a club record in the competition.