Cristiano Ronaldo Returned to Al Nassr’s Starting 11 But Failed to Score in His side’s 0-1 Triumph at Al Khaleej
Al Nassr talisman Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the starting 11 to help his side to a 0-1 win away to Al Khaleej on Saturday. Ronaldo returned after serving a one-match ban and receiving his marching orders, his first red card in Saudi Arabia, in Al Nassr’s 2-1 defeat to Al Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals.
The Portuguese international was sent off after his altercation with Al Hilal player Ali Abdulayhi Al Dawsari. Ronaldo was adjudged to have elbowed Al Dawsari, a red card offense. Malcolm grabbed the winner in this match and put Al Hilal in the Super Cup final.
It was a tough match at Al Khaleej for Ronaldo’s return. However, Al Nassr showed their mettle in this match to get the win through a second-half strike by defender Aymeric Laporte in the 68th minute, which was enough to give them three points.
Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to be on the score sheet when Al Nassr welcomes Al Khaleej to a King Cup of Champions semi-final clash on Wednesday. Al Nassr hopes their talisman will be in fine form as they look to preserve their chance of getting silverware this season through the cup.
Al Nassr is nine points behind leader Al Hilal on the Saudi Pro League table, with Al Hilal having a game in hand. With five rounds of fixtures remaining, the chances of catching up with the leaders are remote as Hilal looks to win two matches to seal the title.
