Ronaldo's debut goalless as Al Nassr defeats Al Ettifaq Al Nassr defeated Al Ettifaq 1-0 at home on Sunday thanks to a goal from An...
Ronaldo's debut goalless as Al Nassr defeats Al Ettifaq
Al Nassr defeated Al Ettifaq 1-0 at home on Sunday thanks to a goal from Anderson Talisca, but Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score, disappointing the throngs of spectators who flocked to Mrsool Park to watch him play.
Ronaldo agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al Nassr last month, said to be worth over 200 million euros ($216.28 million), but has been unable to play due to a two-match suspension from the English Football Association for kicking a fan's phone out of their hands in April.
After scoring twice in a friendly against Paris St. Germain on Thursday, there were extremely high expectations for his debut. However, despite putting up a lot of effort against Al Ettifaq, the 37-year-old could not add to his total of more than 800 senior goals for club and country.
@jakadiya Prior to being denied a penalty in the 19th minute after being forced to the ground by an Ettifaq defender, Portugal international had a shot from the edge of the penalty area blocked early in the first half.
Al Nassr took the lead in the 31st minute when Brazilian forward Talisca rose to meet a cross from Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem and headed the ball past Al Ettifaq goalkeeper Paulo Victor.
In a supporting position, Ronaldo had his best moment after the break when he sent a cross into the path of Pity Martinez, whose initial shot was deflected over the crossbar by Victor.
Al Nassr was unable to score again, but Al-Sulaiheem and Talisca kept Victor alert with well-placed long-range shots that forced saves.
Cristiano Ronaldo Debut For Al-Nassr vs Al Ettifaq
As the second half went on, Ronaldo's eagerness to start his time at Al Nassr with a goal became more obvious, culminating in an ineffective bicycle kick attempt.
"There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo in the football world, and we are grateful to have him. Ronaldo was able to fit in with the team thanks to his personality "Talisca, the goal scorer, spoke to Saudi Sports Channel.
The best opportunity for Al Ettifaq came in the 68th minute when a long throw was intercepted by Youssoufou Niakate in the penalty area. However, his tight-angle volley was well off-target.
After Al Hilal momentarily overtook Al Nassr earlier on Sunday, they are back in the lead with 33 points from 14 games after Al Nassr's victory. Al Ettifaq are ranked tenth.
"We must prevail in these contests and fight if we hope to claim the title. We succeeded in reaching our goal of returning to the top, and I commend the players for doing so "Talisca threw in.