Aymeric Laporte rescues late winner for Al-Nassr as Cristiano Ronaldo starts on the bench against Damac despite scoring consecutive hat-tricks in two previous games

Aymeric Laporte rescued a late 1-0 victory for Al-Nassr against Damac on Friday evening as Cristiano Ronaldo was made to make his introduction from the bench.

Ronaldo was the surprise omission from the starting line-up after scoring back-to-back hat-tricks in Al-Nassr's previous victories, putting the Portuguese top of the Saudi Pro League's golden boot race.

Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane was also left on the bench ahead of Al-Nassr's the upcoming Saudi Super Cup semi-final against league leaders Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo went close to giving the visitor's the lead in the 85th minute after rounding the goalkeeper and toe-poking his effort towards goal before watching a defender agonisingly scoop the shot off the line. 

Mid-table side Damac had impressed throughout the encounter at the Abdul Aziz Stadium, managing Al-Nassr comfortably before Ronaldo's introduction in the 66th minute.

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr managed only three shots on target throughout the course of the game, with former Man City defender, Laporte, eventually getting the breakthrough deep in stoppage time.

The five-time Premier League winner had only scored two previous goals this season and rose highest in the box to make contact with the corner delivery that left the goalkeeper scrambling helplessly.

Laporte's bullet header sailed over a crowded penalty box before nestling in the top corner to spark wild celebrations amongst Al-Nassr players.

Victory moves Al-Nassr to within 12-points of Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal, with the two title-chasing sides next meeting in the league on May 16.

Ronaldo is expected to come back into the starting side for the Saudi Super Cup semi-final clash on Monday, with the victor going on to play either Al-Ittihad or Al-Wehda in the final.