Cristiano Ronaldo's Penalty Winner Inspires Al Nassr to Arab Cup Final for the First Time

• Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty winner sent Al-Nassr to the final of the Arab Cup Champions Cup
• After a slow start to the tournament, Al-Nassr are just a game away from winning the first trophy of the season
• They will now face the winners of the Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab tie

Cristiano Ronaldo's influence propelled Al-Nassr into the final of the Arab Club Champions Cup, marking a historic milestone for the club.

In their semi-final encounter against Al-Shorta, played at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium on Wednesday, August 9, the 38-year-old's second-half penalty proved decisive, securing the vital victory.

Having advanced to the last four for the first time after a span of thirty years by triumphing over Raja Casablanca, the Knights of Nahd were eager to clinch their spot in the Grand Finale on Saturday, August 12.

Cristiano Ronaldo Treated Like a ‘King’ By Entire Stadium After Heroic Display for Al Nassr: Video

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The initial exchanges lacked significant breakthroughs, but Al-Nassr ultimately managed to break the deadlock through their captain, Ronaldo. With a deft touch, he threaded the ball through the legs of the advancing Al-Shorta goalkeeper.

However, this moment of elation was short-lived, as the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for offside.

Despite this setback, the Portuguese maestro remained undeterred. He came close to scoring after an artful flick from Sadio Mane set him up, only for his shot to miss the target narrowly.

As the game remained deadlocked at 0-0 after halftime, Luis Castro's squad pressed on relentlessly for the elusive opening goal.

It was Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, who delivered the breakthrough in the 75th minute, per GOAL.

Executing an immaculate penalty, he propelled his team into the lead.

They managed to preserve their advantage and secure a spot in the final for the first time in the club's history, where they will await the victors of the other semi-final showdown between Al-Hilal and Al Shabab, according to Kingfut.

Sadio Mane makes Al Nassr debut against Egyptian giants Zamalek

Football

Ronaldo's powers Al-Nassr to final

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ronaldo powered his side to their first Arab Cup final since he moved to Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo led Al-Nassr to a 1-0 win over Iraqi champions Al-Shorta SC in the semi-final of the Arab Club Champions Cup on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old successfully converted a 75th-minute penalty kick after a VAR review found that Faisal Jasim Nafil Al Manaa had fouled Sadio Mane.