Ronaldo: Al Akhdoud Star Gives Curious Response on Why He Didn’t Contest for Header in SPL Tie

• Awad Khamis has opened up on his epic aerial duel with Cristiano Ronaldo
• The pair were involved in an aerial challenge during Al-Nassr's Saudi League clash with Al Akhdoud
• Ronaldo is regarded by many as a rare specimen due to his incredible athleticism

Al Akhdoud defender Awad Khamis has finally shed light on his decision-making process during the intense aerial challenge with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

During their team's three-nil defeat against the Knights of Najd at Al-Awwal Park, Khamis notably refrained from contesting an aerial ball with Al-Nassr's talisman, creating a standout moment in the game dominated by Ronaldo's remarkable performance.

Clarifying his decision not to engage in the aerial duel with the 38-year-old, Khamis seemingly admitted that even if he had attempted to contest, he believed he wouldn't have secured possession.

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Therefore, he opted not to challenge at all.

“I was going to jump with Cristiano Ronaldo, but I said, ‘Guys, leave it alone because even if I jump, I won’t take it,” he explained, as quoted by CristianoXtra.

When quipped about playing against the former Real Madrid goal-scoring machine, the 35-year-old defender said: “If we see Cristiano, our hearts explode. What if we play against him?”

Ronaldo single-handedly sinks Al Akhdoud

Despite Al-Nassr's initial struggles after breaking the deadlock in the first half, Ronaldo showcased his brilliance in the final 15 minutes.

Initially denied a goal due to an offside call, he later doubled the lead with an exceptional strike before sealing the game with a spectacular long-range effort, per GOAL.

For his first goal, Ronaldo exhibited exceptional skill by controlling a lofted pass with a breathtaking first touch before driving the ball home at the near post.

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However, his second goal surpassed even that—an astonishing 40-yard strike lofted over a stranded goalkeeper, caught out of position.

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Al-Nassr boss: Why it's impossible to stop Ronaldo

Sports Brief also reported that Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his instrumental role in the team's remarkable performance, hailing him as the driving force behind their dominance.

Ronaldo's impressive brace secured Al-Nassr's victory, overwhelming their opponents despite their resilience.

Castro couldn't hide his admiration post-match, referring to Ronaldo as the "best player" globally, acknowledging the breathtaking display witnessed during the game.