Former Bayern Munich Star Explains Why Ronaldo ‘Struggled’ Before Scoring His First Goal

• Luiz Gustavo, Ronaldo's teammate at Al-Nassr, has identified the reason behind the former Man United's star slow start
• It took Ronaldo three games to open his goal-scoring account for Al-Nassr
• His goal salvaged a 2-2 draw for the Riyadh-based side on Friday evening

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo has explained Cristiano Ronaldo had a tough start to life at Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo finally managed to break his goal-scoring duck in the Saudi Pro League following his sensational move to the Middle East on the back of his unceremonious exit at Manchester United.

Having ripped virtually every goal-scoring record in Europe in shreds, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was expected to continue on the same tangent in a 'much easier' league.

However, what was expected to be a jolly ride for Ronaldo turned out to be frustrating with the Portugal captain blanking in his opening two competitive games.

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Nonetheless, the veteran forward managed to open his account on the third try against Al-Fateh, a side ranked 548th team in world football according to Opta.

Reacting to Ronaldo's maiden strike, Gustavo, formerly of Bayern and Marseille, believes the performance levels of their opponents increased by 200 per cent due to the presence of the ex-Manchester United attacker.

“Since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival, our opponents have been giving their 200%," he said as quoted by CristianoXta.

When asked if Ronaldo will be under less pressure after ending his goal-scoring doubt, the Brazilian midfielder added:

"Cristiano Ronaldo was born playing under pressure and his presence helps a lot.”

Ronaldo finally ends goal drought

Cristiano Ronaldo finally ended his goal-scoring drought for Al-Nassr during his side's 2-2 draw with Al-Fateh.

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Having played 180 minutes without finding the back of the net, it was incumbent on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to address his frustrating start to life in Saudi.

The former Manchester United ace heeded the call despite missing two sitters and seeing his first-half strike correctly ruled out for offside, per Sky Sports.

Social media reacts to Ronaldo's goal

Sports Brief earlier reported that Cristiano Ronaldo belatedly opened his goal-scoring account in his third outing for Al-Nassr on Friday evening, setting the internet ablaze.

The 35-year-old, who has endured a slow start to life in Saudi, scored a stoppage-time penalty to salvage a draw for his side against Al-Fateh.

Following his strike against Al-Fateh, football fans trooped to social media to offer their thoughts on Ronaldo's first competitive goal.