RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Ettifaq on Friday, giving Stefano Pioli the win in his first game as coach of the Saudi club.

The Italian, who led AC Milan to the 2022 Serie A title, was named on Wednesday as Luis Castro’s successor. The Portuguese coach was sacked the previous day as Al-Nassr made a slow start to the season with just one win in three Saudi Pro League matches.

Ronaldo, who missed Al-Nassr’s 1-1 AFC Champions League Elite draw with Al-Shorta of Iraq on Monday due to a virus infection, converted a penalty in the 33rd minute to score his third goal of the season.

In the second half, Salem Al-Najdi and Anderson Talisca increased the score.

It was Ettifaq’s first defeat of the season, but Steven Gerrard’s team remained third. Al-Nassr moved up to fourth place.

Al-Ahli were in fifth place after Ivan Toney scored twice to help the Jeddah club to a 4-2 win over Damac.

Toney, who joined from English Premier League club Brentford in August, set up Gabri Veiga’s first goal before scoring his first goals since moving to Saudi Arabia.

The other goal was scored by former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino.

Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are ranked first and second in the overall standings and will face each other on Saturday.

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