Cristiano Ronaldo's double leads Al Nassr to 3-1 victory at Al Hilal

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the second half, including on a penalty kick, to lead Al Nassr to a 3-1 win over Al Hilal in the race for the Saudi Pro League title on Friday.

Al Nassr remain in third place with 54 points, but are now just three points behind second-placed Al Hilal, and seven adrift of leaders Al Ittihad, who will visit Al Ahli on Saturday.

Al Nassr opened the scoring before halftime, when Ali Al Hassan curled a shot past goalkeeper Yassin Bono.

Ronaldo made it 2-0 two minutes after the break with a precise shot, following a pass from Sadio Mane.

Reigning champions Al Hilal tried to fight back with counterattacks, and reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute through Ali Al Bulayhi's close-range header after a corner.

Ronaldo wrapped up the points for Al Nassr with a penalty in the 88th minute, however, awarded for a handball by substitute Mouteb Al-Harbi following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

"The team effort was crucial to this win, and me scoring is important, but it's more important to win" Ronaldo said. "I work hard to help the team in the SPL, and AFC Champions League, and don't concentrate on individual records."