{
  "id": 2730824,
  "title": "Ivan Toney hits hat-trick, Cristiano Ronaldo earns praise from Ange Postecoglou",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ivan-toney-hits-hat-trick-cristiano-ronaldo-earns-praise-from-ange",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T06:01:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2026/08/23/ivan-toney-hits-hat-trick-cristiano-ronaldo-earns-praise-from-ange-postecoglou/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick as Al Ahli defeated Abha 4-0, marking the start of the newly formed Saudi Pro League season. Toney found the net within five minutes, capitalizing on new Armenian midfielder Eduard Spertsyan's work. Galeno's shot inside the box led to Toney's second goal from the penalty spot, and Trincao scored the decisive third, providing a perfect pass for Toney's third. This marks Toney's sixth hat-trick in the SPL, with a total of 58 goals in 64 games since moving from Brentford. Elsewhere, Al Kholood secured a 3-2 victory over Al Taawoun, thanks to three first-half goals before holding on to win. Scottish defender Jack Hendry scored the lone goal for Al Ettifaq in their 1-0 win over Al Fateh at Al Shahadeen. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo contributed his 977th career goal for Al Nassr, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute during a 4-0 win against Al Riyadh. Ronaldo's recent goal was his 130th for Al Nassr in all competitions, moving him closer to the 1,000-goal mark. According to Ange Postecoglou, Ronaldo's return to the matchday squad after a busy off-season was well-received, with the Portuguese star working hard in training and earning his place in the starting lineup.",
  "summary": "England striker Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick as Al Ahli thrashed Abha 4-0 to make it two wins from two at the start of the new Saudi Pro League season. It took Toney just five minutes to break the deadlock as he capitalised on some great work by new Armenian midfielder Eduard Spertsyan to sweep home. It was 2-0 in under 10 minutes as Galeno was chopped down in the box and Toney dispatched the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Ivan Toney scores hat-trick in Al Ahli's 4-0 win over Abha",
    "Cristiano Ronaldo nets 977th career goal for Al Nassr",
    "Ange Postecoglou praises Ronaldo's return to squad"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This strong start to the Saudi Pro League season for some teams, including Al Ahli and Al Nassr, underscores the high level of performance from top players like Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Ivan Toney hits hat-trick, Cristiano Ronaldo earns praise from Ange Postecoglou",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ivan-toney-hits-hat-trick-cristiano-ronaldo-earns-praise-from-ange-2732219",
        "published": "2026-08-23T06:01:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}