Riyadh, Aug 12: Portuguese veteran scorer Cristiano Ronaldo led his Saudi team, Al-Nasr, to its inaugural title in the Arab Football Clubs Championship. Ronaldo's two goals secured a 2-1 victory against traditional rivals Al-Hilal in the final match of the King Salman Cup held at King Fahd Sports Club in Hawiyah, Riyadh.

Al-Hilal, Ronaldo's longtime rival, was unable to secure a third title, having previously triumphed in 1994 and 1995.

The championship, which commenced on July 27 and was hosted by Saudi Arabia in Abha, Taif, and Al-Baha, came to a close.

Ronaldo's goals in the 74th and 98th minutes tipped the balance of victory, overturning the earlier lead established by Al-Hilal's Brazilian player Michel Delgado in the 51st minute. Despite playing with only ten players for nearly 55 minutes due to the expulsion of defender Abdullah Al-Omari in the 64th minute, Al-Nasr managed to secure a valuable win.

In the first half, Al Hilal had a slight advantage and created several opportunities, but Al Hilal's goalkeeper, who returned from injury to replace the suspended Abdullah Al-Mayouf, thwarted their efforts.

Al-Hilal's Michel Delgado put his team ahead in the beginning of the second half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Al-Nasr to score with a header.

Despite being outnumbered after defender Abd Al-Ilah Al-Omari's expulsion in the 64th minute, Al-Nasr equalized through Ronaldo, who converted a cross from Sultan Al-Ghanam in the 74th minute.

A penalty kick awarded to Al Hilal after a challenge by Ali Lagami on Croatian player Savic was initially given but later overturned.

Despite Al-Hilal's persistent pressure and numerous opportunities, the score remained level, leading to extra time.

Ronaldo defied the flow of the game by netting his sixth championship goal, securing victory for Al-Nasr. Ivory Coast's Siko Fofana's attempt hit the crossbar, allowing Ronaldo to head the rebound into the empty net in the 98th minute.

The winner of the King Salman Cup for Arab Clubs Champions received a prize of $6 million, while the runner-up was awarded $2.5 million. Semi-finalists received $200,000, quarter-finalists received $150,000, and teams eliminated in the group stage received $100,000.

This tournament's prize money represents the largest amount in the history of Arab tournaments, totaling $10 million.