39-year-old striker Cristiano Ronaldo returned after suspension, scoring two goals to help Al Nassr win 3-1 against Al Khaleej, in the semi-finals of the Saudi King’s Cup.
*Score: Ronaldo 17′, 57′, Mane pen 37′ – Torais 82′
In the 17th minute, away team goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic left the goal, cleared the ball and hit Ayman Yahya, bouncing not far away. Ronaldo ran in the opposite direction of the goal, then turned and volleyed with his left foot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball flying into the empty net to open the score. But even when he stood closer to the goal, Sehic was not sure he could save the goal.
Ronaldo celebrates a goal in the match against Al Khaleej. Photo: ANFC
Ronaldo scored twice in the second half, following Yahya’s pass from the right towards the second post. Captain Al Nassr took a shot and was pushed away by the goalkeeper, but he rushed in to make the score 3-0. The Portuguese superstar danced around the table, then raised his five fists and tapped in the air, following the rhythm of the sound from the stands.
Ronaldo could have scored a hat-trick, if he had not given up Sadio Mane’s penalty kick in the 37th minute. Marcelo Brozovic’s kick hit midfielder Ivo Rodrigues in the Al Khaleej penalty area, causing the referee to blow a penalty for Al Nassr. Despite being the main penalty taker on the team, Ronaldo let Mane kick into the right corner to increase the score to 2-0.
Although he only touched the ball 43 times, the fewest among the starting players for Al Nassr in this match, Ronaldo finished the most with seven opportunities. According to Fotmob parameters , the 39-year-old striker played the best in the match with 9.0 points, followed by Yahya with 8.9 points, on a scale of 10.
Ronaldo extended the record to 887 goals in his career, after 1,219 matches. Since moving to Al Nassr, he has scored 58 goals in 64 matches. This season, CR7 also scored 44 goals in 45 matches. However, Al Nassr just won one title, the Arab Club Champions Cup, and does not have many chances to compete in the Saudi League.
King Cup is the Saudi National Cup, taking place in a knockout format. This is the last chance for Al Nassr to win another title this season, when they have reached the final and will meet Al Hilal on May 31.
