Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr©AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo made his Saudi Super Cup debut for Al-Nassr on Thursday, but it was not a happy performance for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as his side were beaten 1-3 by Al-Ittihad. Anderson Talisca was the only goalscorer for Al-Nassr, but that was not enough, as Al-Ittihad reached the final of the tournament with goals from Romarinho, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti and Abderrazak Hamdallah. Al-Ittihad fans were heard taunting Ronaldo at the end of the match as they chanted the name of Argentine star Lionel Messi. In a video posted on social media, fans can be heard chanting “Messi, Messi, Messi” inside the stadium.
🐕 شاهد كيف ودعت جماهير #الاتحاد How to earn your money #الاتحاد_النصر pic.twitter.com/7NVR73VEbc
— قصي نقادي (@Qusay_itfc) January 26, 2023
The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi on the football field has been legendary over the years, but the Argentine gained a huge advantage in the debate after winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022. On the other hand, Ronaldo terminated his contract with Manchester United and made he a big money move to Saudi Arabia.
In the semi-final, Ronaldo had a few chances to score, but was unable to convert them as he was marked by two opposing defenders. The man mark enabled Al-Ittihad to control the Portuguese star and ultimately proved to be crucial in achieving the encounter.
Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo got off to a winning start in the Saudi Pro League as he led Al Nassr to a 1-0 victory over Ettifaq on Sunday in his first game since becoming the highest-paid footballer in history.
The Portuguese superstar failed to score, but there were promising signs for Al Nassr, who looked to domestic and continental silverware after the 37-year-old moved for deals totaling more than €400 million.
(with AFP inputs)
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