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FootballDi Maria ‘Destroys’ Al Nassr Defenders Before Scoring Classy Goal in Reunion With Ronaldo, Video
- Al Nassr faced another formidable European opponent as they ramped up pre-season preparations
- The Saudi Pro League side are winless in their last two games after falling to Benfica on Thursday
- Angel Di Maria crossed paths with his ex-Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and also scored
Angel Di Maria had a reunion to cherish as his Benfica side faced Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr on July 20.
The Argentinian World Cup-winning forward, who returned to Benfica after a season with Juventus, proved to be the catalyst for the reigning Portuguese champions in their victory against his former Real Madrid teammate's Saudi Arabian team.
The 35-year-old's moment of brilliance arrived after 23 minutes when he skillfully danced through the Al-Nassr defence before executing a trademark lobbed finish, breaking the deadlock.
Inspired by Di Maria's opener, Goncalo Ramos - a standout at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - went on to score a brace to add to Benfica's lead.
Although Sultan Al-Ghannam managed to reduce the deficit, the Portuguese giants secured a comfortable 4-1 win, extending their impressive form from their previous victory over FC Basel, per Latestly.
The reunion between Di Maria and Ronaldo on the pitch was undoubtedly a memorable affair, with the former's skills stealing the limelight and propelling Benfica to success, MSN reports.
Watch Di Maria's stunning goal:
Ronaldo's response about Di Maria
Meanwhile, Sports Brief also reported that Cristiano Ronaldo gave a somewhat frosty response when quizzed about Di Maria's return to Benfica after spending a lone season with Juventus.
Despite being his former teammate at Real Madrid, the veteran declined to express his thoughts, perhaps due to the storied rivalry between his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon, and the Eagles.
Di Maria punishes Al Nassr
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Argentina's World Cup-winning forward, Di Maria's role in Benfica's triumph over his former Real Madrid teammate's Al-Nassr.
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FootballThe Argentine's brilliance illuminated the friendly pre-season match, inspiring the reigning Portuguese champions to back-to-back wins ahead of the new term.
Di Maria led the demolishing exercise against the Saudis, weaving through the Al-Nassr defence with finesse before a trademark lobbed finish in the 23rd minute.