Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Destroys’ Istiqlol Defender With Filthy Nutmeg in AFC Champions League Tie: Video

Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Destroys’ Istiqlol Defender With Filthy Nutmeg in AFC Champions League Tie: Video

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at October 3, 2023 at 11:36 AM
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  • Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo wowed fans with his flashy skills
  • The ex-Real Madrid icon displayed his array of skills during his side's Asian Champions League tie against Istiqlol Dushanbe
  • He also managed to break his goal-scoring duck in the competition

Cristiano Ronaldo effortlessly outplayed a defender from Istiqlol Dushanbe with an exquisite nutmeg during Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League group match.

Throughout the 2023-24 season, Ronaldo has been in top form, displaying both his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities, giving credence to the adage that "age is just a number".

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr, nutmeg, defender, Istiqlol Dushanbe, AFC Champions League, goal
Cristiano Ronaldo nutmegged his marker during Al-Nassr's Champions League tie with Istiqlol. Photo credit: @AlNassrFC_EN
Source: Twitter

While he has netted an impressive 10 goals in the Saudi Pro League, the 38-year-old had yet to open his account in Asia's premier club competition after a fruitless outing in Al-Nassr's Group E debut against Iranian side Persepolis.

Nevertheless, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus ace finally found the net during the second matchday, scoring from a tight angle, per Mykhel.

According to Sporting News, his goal played a pivotal role in a thrilling comeback win, with Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca adding two more goals later in the second half, extending Luis Castro's team's winning streak to 10 matches.

What did Ronaldo do?

As the match appeared to be in the bag, with Al-Nassr comfortably leading 3-1, Ghareeb found his captain, Ronaldo, with a pass, who decided to put on a display of his flashy skills.

Following a slightly clumsy touch from the Portuguese superstar, he executed an impressive move to outwit the charging Istiqlol defender with a skilful nutmeg.

Ronaldo's remarkable manoeuvre left the crowd in amazement, and they erupted in cheers for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Here is the video:

CR7 scores debut Champions League goal

In a related publication, Sports Brief highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo's achievement of scoring his inaugural goal in the AFC Champions League during the match against Istiqlol Dushanbe at Al-Awwal Park on Monday night.

The seasoned forward showcased his finesse by artfully chipping the ball into the net from an extraordinarily narrow angle, outsmarting the goalkeeper.

Ronaldo inspires fightback win in AFC CL

Sports Brief also reported that the veteran forward led the charge as Al-Nassr staged an impressive comeback victory against Istiqlol Dushanbe in their second AFC Champions League group match.

Ronaldo finally registered his first goal in Asia's premier club competition. Anderson Talisca then sealed the comeback with a brace at the Al-Awwal Park.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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