Cristiano Ronaldo’s Penalty Inspires Al Nassr to Victory After Champions League Elimination

• Cristiano Ronaldo proved clutch for Al-Nassr once again
• The 39-year-old's penalty secured a 1-0 victory at Al Ahli
• VAR took centre stage in the fixture, denying two goals

Cristiano Ronaldo propelled Al-Nassr to a hard-fought win against Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League with a well-struck penalty on Friday, two days after their AFC Champions League elimination.

The Portuguese phenom, whose side failed to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in mid-week, was on target as he rallied the Knights of Najd back to winning ways after a recent poor run of results.

Al-Nassr pip Al Ahli in the Saudi League

With the league title all but gone, Ronaldo and Al-Nassr were in search of their first win since edging Al Shabab 3-2 on February 25, and as expected, they were the quickest to get off the blocks.

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While dominating possession, Al Ahli fashioned out decent goal-scoring opportunities, getting two shots on target as the home side preferred soaking up the pressure and hitting their opponents on the counterattack.

But their tactic nearly backfired, with Cristiano evading their defence to score from an acute angle after embarking on a mazy run.

VAR dominates the headlines

However, his effort in the 42nd minute was rightfully ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for offside, much to the crowd's cheer at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

After recess, the Royals upped the ante, and it came as little to no surprise when ex-Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin teed up Roberto Firmino, formerly of Liverpool, who rolled the ball into the bottom of the net, as the crowd went wild.

Unfortunately, VAR reared its ugly head again for the second time, denying Ahli the game's opener their effort deserved in the 57th minute.

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Ronaldo scores from the spot

Al-Nassr capitalised on this to draw first blood when Sami Al Najer won a penalty, which VAR gave. Cristiano, who scored from the spot against Al-Ain in midweek, made no mistake from 12 yards.

He scored his 23rd goal of the campaign to put his side into the lead. Al-Ahli tried their hardest to fight back, but not even 2023 AFCON winner Franck Kessie, Firmino, and Riyad Mahrez could test David Ospina in goal for Al-Nassr.

A free-kick in the dying embers of the game saw Mahrez's attempt expertly thwarted by the Riyadh-based giants, who managed to hold on for a morale-boosting win.

Al-Nassr fans turn on Ronaldo

Sports Brief earlier reported how Al-Nassr fans had turned on Portuguese superstar Ronaldo.

The club's fans were upset with CR7 after their side were eliminated from the Champions League.

Ronaldo missed a chance in front of goal during the game but did score from the penalty spot.