In a tightly contested Saudi Pro League clash, Cristiano Ronaldo’s magic touch proved to be the difference as his late penalty kick propelled Al-Nassr to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Roberto Firmino’s Al-Ahli, snapping their worrying winless run.
The highly-anticipated showdown between the Portuguese icon and his Brazilian counterpart had all the makings of a classic, with both teams desperate for three points to keep their title ambitions alive. However, it was Ronaldo who ultimately stole the show, converting from the spot in the 78th minute after being initially denied by VAR.
In a clash of titans between two of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs, it was the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo who proved to be the difference-maker, converting a vital penalty to hand Al-Nassr a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Roberto Firmino’s Al-Ahli. The win not only ended Al-Nassr’s frustrating winless run but also reignited their hopes of challenging for the Saudi Pro League title.
The highly-anticipated encounter lived up to its billing, with both sides displaying grit and determination in a tightly-contested affair.
The eyes of the football world will be fixated on Jeddah this Friday as global icon Cristiano Ronaldo leads his new club Al Nassr into a mouthwatering Saudi Pro League clash against third-placed Al Ahli.
Fresh off the disappointment of crashing out of the AFC Champions League in midweek on penalties to Al Ain, the 38-year-old Portuguese talisman will be determined to inspire an immediate response in domestic action.
However, Al Nassr face a formidable test against an Al Ahli side boasting an array of stellar international talent, including former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez and ex-Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
The world’s spotlight falls on the King Abdullah Sports City stadium as Al-Ahli, the regal hosts, prepare to lock horns with the visiting Al-Nassr in a potentially season-defining Saudi Pro League encounter. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s men still licking their wounds from a gut-wrenching AFC Champions League exit, the clash presents an opportunity for redemption or a descent into further turmoil.
For the unbeaten home kings of Al-Ahli, led by the astute Matthias Jaissle, the stakes are equally high.
