'Merciless' Di Maria destroys Ronaldo with incredible skill as Benfica crush Al Nassr
Football!['Merciless' Di Maria destroys Ronaldo with incredible skill as Benfica crush Al Nassr](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/ec04db3c3ea8522e.webp?v=1)
Cristiano Ronaldo's name echoed through the King Fahd Stadium after his heroic performance for Al-Nassr in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
Ronaldo rose to the occasion, rescuing the Knights of Nahd from possible elimination with a diving header that secured a crucial point, propelling Al-Nassr to the knockout stage of the regional competition.
With only three minutes left on the clock, Al-Nassr, who led the Saudi Pro League charge in signing world-renowned talents, found themselves on the brink of a group stage exit after Zamalek had taken the lead, per Sports Illustrated.
'Merciless' Di Maria destroys Ronaldo with incredible skill as Benfica crush Al Nassr
FootballBut in a manner reminiscent of his illustrious career, the Portuguese phenom displayed his brilliance once more, connecting with a cross from substitute Konan and heading the ball into the net, putting his side on level terms.
A 1-1 draw was enough to earn Al-Nassr a spot in the quarter-final stage, setting up a thrilling encounter with the 12-time Moroccan league champions, Raja Casablanca.
The fans, who witnessed the 38-year-old's remarkable feat, treated the veteran forward like royalty, acknowledging his role in pulling his team from the jaws of defeat to secure qualification.
A video circulating on social media, spotted by Sports Brief, shows fans chanting Ronaldo's name, lauding the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star for his outstanding achievements.
In another heartwarming moment, Ronaldo shared a warm hug with Sadio Mane and the rest of his Al-Nassr teammates to celebrate their qualification to the knockout phase of the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo Melts Hearts With Gesture to Fan Despite Al-Nassr’s Defeat
FootballThe goal proved to be the deciding factor as Al-Nassr finished in the second position behind Al Shabab, setting up a thrilling quarter-final tie against Moroccan outfit Raja Casablanca on Sunday, August 6.
After the match, Cristiano took time to embrace his teammates, starting with the new signing Sadio Mane, as he congratulated the team for their tremendous efforts.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Cristiano Ronaldo continued his scoring streak, netting his second goal in consecutive games as Al-Nassr faced off against Egyptian club Zamalek.
With the specter of elimination looming, the 38-year-old stepped up to the challenge, delivering a towering goal in the 87th minute to save Al-Nassr from an early exit from the competition.