Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo added another accolade to his already illustrious career as he scored his 750th goal in club football during Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday. It was a big occasion for the footballer as he controlled the game and guided his side to a much-needed victory. However, the occasion was marred with controversy as he was targeted with “Messi Messi” chants from a section of the opposition fans. In reply, Ronaldo directed a gesture towards them that many alleged was obscene and the video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
Earlier, Ronaldo guided Al Nassr into the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League as the Saudi Arabian side defeated domestic rivals Al Fayha 2-0 to progress 3-0 on aggregate.
Nassr, who won last week’s first leg 1-0 thanks to a Ronaldo goal nine minutes from time, were the better side at Al Awwal Park and took the lead on 17 minutes through Portuguese winger Otavio.
imagine being 39 years-old and acting like this
Ronaldo is truly finished pic.twitter.com/fG1Q3yu262
— Joey (@NUFCJoey) February 25, 2024
The former Porto star, who joined Nassr last summer, headed home from close range to score in his second successive game for the club. His compatriot, Ronaldo, looked set to endure a frustrating night personally, with the Portugal captain having a number of penalty appeals turned down and, not long into the second half, a goal disallowed for offside.
Ronaldo, 39 earlier this month, was also booked in first-half stoppage time for a late challenge, with Nassr manager Luis Castro then given a yellow card for protesting the decision too vehemently.
However, the Nassr skipper would have the final say, when four minutes from time, he latched onto yet another Marcelo Brozovic through ball.
Fayha goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic really should have dealt with the situation but could only kick his attempted clearance off the onrushing Ronaldo.
The ball fell invitingly for Ronaldo to tap into the empty net.
It marked the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward’s 10th goal in his past nine matches for Nassr. Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the UEFA Champions League, is competing for the first time in its Asian equivalent.
(With AFP inputs)
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