Cristiano Ronaldo sends defiant message after helping Al-Nassr to gutsy Saudi Pro League victory over Al Akhdoud

The Portuguese talisman found the back of the net to fire his side to a two-goal lead inside the opening quarter. However, the hosts mounted a spirited comeback to level things up in the second half, until Marcelo Brozovic sprung to life with a late stoppage-time winner to clinch a 3-2 victory on Thursday evening at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium.

It was Al-Nassr's 25th Saudi Pro League win of the season but the three points might prove to be too little too late to clinch the championship as they trail Al-Hilal by 11 points, who also have a game in hand. Nonetheless, Ronaldo was delighted with the fighting spirit of his teammates until the final whistle and belted out a rallying call following the thrilling victory.

Ronaldo put out a carousel of pictures on his Instagram and wrote: "Never give up! 🔥 LET'S GO!!"

Ronaldo happens to be in sensational form as he fired his 48th goal of the season in 47 appearances across all competitions. It is his best tally since the 2015-16 season when he scored 51 with Real Madrid. The 39-year-old can further add to his tally as he still has three league fixtures and a crucial King Cup of Champions final against arch-rivals Al-Hilal, which is likely to be held on May 31. Before that, he will have another opportunity to settle scores with Al-Hilal on May 17 in a league fixture.