Cristiano Ronaldo made his mark on the AFC Champions League Elite in dramatic fashion, scoring a stunning goal with his weaker foot to lead Al Nassr to a 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The goal, a beautifully curled shot from the right side of the penalty box in the 76th minute, came with Al Nassr already leading 1-0 and proved to be the difference-maker.
Ronaldo, known for his exceptional right foot, demonstrated his versatility with the left-footed strike. He celebrated the goal by running to the corner of the field, raising both his hands in the air, and dedicating it to his father, who would have turned 71 years old on this day.
This was Ronaldo’s eighth goal for Al Nassr this season, further showcasing his impact since joining the Saudi Arabian side. He has also assisted two more goals this season, demonstrating his all-around contributions to the team.
While Al Rayyan’s Roger Guedes managed to pull a goal back late in the second half, it wasn’t enough to overcome Nassr’s lead. The victory propelled Nassr to third place in the group standings of the Champions League.
Ronaldo, who missed the first Champions League match due to a viral infection, appeared promising from the start against the Qatari outfit. He came close to scoring on several occasions, including a goal that was controversially ruled offside by a slim margin.
With this win, Al Nassr will look to continue their momentum in the Saudi Pro League. They host Al Orobah FC in their next match, aiming to win the championship for the first time since Ronaldo’s arrival last year. The Portuguese superstar has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the team, and their fans will be hoping for more impressive performances from him in the coming matches.
