Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role in Al-Nassr’s victory over Al-Faisaly in the Saudi Pro League, continuing his return to form and restoring his smile following a period of controversy involving his compatriot and Portugal coach Jesus, which resulted in a 30-day suspension.
اضافة اعلان
Despite representing Portugal for 23 years, Ronaldo left the national team camp ahead of the match against Denmark during the latest international break. He accused coach Jesus of “breaking his promises,” raising doubts over whether he would return to international football before being handed a one-month suspension.
A day after the Portuguese Football Federation announced his suspension and fined him $285, the former Real Madrid striker missed a penalty and several chances in an uncharacteristic display for a player chasing his 1,000th career goal. His compatriot Joao Felix eventually scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Neom on October 20.
However, 41-year-old Ronaldo appeared to be back at his best in Friday’s 3-1 win over Al-Faisaly, scoring his fifth goal of the season in nine league appearances.
Before rising to meet a free-kick delivered by Felix and turning it into the net in a coordinated move with Andre Girotto, Ronaldo made a run down the left, dribbled past a defender and fired a low shot that struck the left post.
The goal took Ronaldo’s career tally to 982, keeping him on course in his pursuit of 1,000 goals for club and country.
Ronaldo continued to threaten in attack and scored a goal that was ruled out for offside. He then delivered a cross that Abdullah Al-Hamdan set up for Angelo, who scored Al-Nassr’s third goal to seal the victory.
The win took Al-Nassr to 25 points and marked their fourth consecutive victory.
After being named Player of the Match, Ronaldo chose to hand the award to teammate Al-Hamdan, who scored the opening goal and provided the assist for the Portugal captain’s disallowed goal.
“It is a great honor for me to play alongside one of football’s legends. God willing, this will give me the motivation to achieve even more success in the future,” Al-Hamdan told Thmanyah. “Everyone can see his level on the pitch and what he does off it.”
