From substitution frustration to match-winning hero as Ronaldo inspires Al Nassr’s latest comeback.
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered the perfect response to his coach after being substituted in the previous game, scoring the decisive goal as Al Nassr defeated Al Taawoun 2-1 to maintain their perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season.
Ronaldo had visibly expressed his frustration after Ange Postecoglou substituted him against Al Ettifaq earlier in the week. Al Nassr were trailing 2-0 at half-time after goalkeeper Bento was sent off, leaving Postecoglou with the difficult decision to sacrifice his captain.
The move ultimately paid off, as Al Nassr scored three times in the final 16 minutes to complete a stunning 3-2 comeback.
This time, though, Ronaldo remained on the pitch — and made the difference himself.
Al Nassr were once again forced to fight back after Mohammed Bassam Al Hurayji put Al Taawoun ahead in the 11th minute.
Samú Costa restored parity in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, before Ronaldo completed the comeback soon after the restart.
João Félix produced a brilliant run down the left, bursting into the Al Taawoun box before cutting the ball back into the danger area. The move eventually found Mohamed Simakan on the edge of the box, whose shot appeared to be curling towards the bottom corner.
But Ronaldo had other plans.
The 41-year-old got the final touch, flicking the ball from around six yards out to put Al Nassr 2-1 ahead and take his remarkable career tally to 978 goals.
As expected, the goal quickly sparked plenty of debate on X, with fans questioning whether Ronaldo’s touch was enough to claim the finish.
Replays suggested Simakan’s effort was already heading towards the bottom corner, prompting plenty of comments that Ronaldo did not need to get a touch.
And yes, the shot appeared to be on target. But Ronaldo got the final touch, making the goal his — and, more importantly, it proved to be a crucial one for Al Nassr.
There was also another intriguing moment during the celebrations that caught the attention of fans.
Ronaldo initially skipped his trademark ‘Siu’ celebration, choosing instead to celebrate with his Al Nassr teammates. However, a video circulating on X appears to show Sadio Mané reminding the Portuguese star about it.
Ronaldo then turned to the crowd and gave them exactly what they had been waiting for.
Siu.
For Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, the dream start to his Al Nassr tenure continues.
Four games. Four wins. And Al Nassr sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has moved to 978 career goals — just 22 strikes away from the historic 1,000-goal milestone.
