Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly endured an emotional evening regardless of Al-Nassr finishing some of the outstanding comebacks of their season, with Saudi Arabian media persona Khalid Al-Shanif claiming the Portugal star was “crying intensely” after the 3-2 victory over Al-Ettifaq.The 41-year-old made his first begin of the season on Tuesday, however was changed by Abdullah Al-Khaibari at half-time after Al-Nassr had fallen 2-0 behind and been decreased to 10 males. Al-Shanif has since provided his account of what occurred behind the scenes, whereas supervisor Ange Postecoglou gave a considerably completely different clarification of the substitution, saying Ronaldo was all the time scheduled to play solely the opening 45 minutes.
What occurred with Ronaldo at half-time?
Al-Nassr’s evening had began badly when goalkeeper Bento was despatched off within the twelfth minute after bringing down Moussa Dembélé, forcing the workforce to play virtually the complete match with 10 males.Al-Ettifaq then took benefit of the numerical benefit, with Ondrej Duda placing the hosts forward within the thirty first minute earlier than Álvaro Medrán doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time.Ronaldo, who had solely not too long ago returned to aggressive motion after an prolonged break following the 2026 World Cup and his marriage to Georgina Rodríguez, was subsequently changed on the interval, with Al-Khaibari approaching as Al-Nassr regarded to strengthen the workforce after taking place to 10 males.In response to Saudi Arabian sports activities journalist and tv presenter Al-Shanif, who mentioned the scenario on his programme Doreena Ghair, the choice was truly initiated by Ronaldo himself.“Cristiano Ronaldo was the one who requested to be substituted towards Al-Ettifaq as a result of he wasn’t prepared and wished a prepared participant in his place. Cristiano Ronaldo was crying intensely after Al-Nassr’s victory towards Al-Ettifaq.”Reviews and pictures from the match additionally fuelled hypothesis that Ronaldo was offended with the choice. The Al-Nassr captain was visibly irritated as he eliminated the armband from his arm and walked off the pitch.
Postecoglou says Ronaldo was all the time meant to play 45 minutes
Talking after the match, Postecoglou defined that Ronaldo’s restricted involvement was linked to his health fairly than a response to his efficiency.“Look, once more, with Cristiano, he’s a singular sportsman. He has not had a lot preparation, and the plan was all the time for him to play 45 minutes towards Al Ettifaq. He performed half-hour within the first sport, so we wished him to play 45 towards Al Ettifaq and construct up step by step.”The supervisor added that Ronaldo had wished to stay on the pitch after Al-Nassr fell two targets behind.“That was all the time going to occur at half time, however due to the scenario, with the workforce dropping 2-0, Cristiano wished to assist and wished to maintain taking part in. For me, although, these 45 minutes have been good as a result of now we all know that he’s able to play greater than 45 minutes. I do know he feels bodily in good situation now, so he’s prepared for tomorrow’s sport.”
Ronaldo cheers Al-Nassr’s comeback from the sidelines
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the substitution, Ronaldo watched from the sidelines as his workforce produced a surprising turnaround — and pictures from the second half confirmed him loudly and proudly cheering his teammates on.Al-Nassr got here out for the second half two targets down and a person brief, however they step by step turned the sport round. Sadio Mané pulled one again within the 74th minute after João Félix threaded a go by to him, giving the guests a route again into the match.Solely three minutes later, Félix supplied the supply once more, this time from a nook, and Abdulelah Al-Amri headed Al-Nassr stage.With the match seemingly heading in direction of a draw, Al-Nassr discovered one last opening within the ninetieth minute. Sami Al-Najei drove the counter-attack ahead earlier than discovering Mané, who completed from contained in the field to finish his brace and ship Al-Nassr from 2-0 right down to a 3-2 victory.The celebrations continued contained in the dressing room, the place visuals confirmed Ronaldo embracing his teammates after the dramatic turnaround. Regardless of being unable to affect the consequence on the pitch, he appeared absolutely invested within the victory, sharing the emotional scenes with the squad after the ultimate whistle.The consequence leaves Al-Nassr with an ideal 9 factors from their opening three Saudi Professional League matches.
Ronaldo’s return continues to be being managed
Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s opening two league matches towards Al-Fateh and Al-Diriyah whereas taking an prolonged break following Portugal’s World Cup marketing campaign and his marriage ceremony to Rodríguez.He returned as an alternative towards Al-Riyadh and scored earlier than making his first begin of the season towards Al-Ettifaq.Postecoglou’s feedback counsel Al-Nassr are nonetheless rigorously managing his workload, though the supervisor believes Ronaldo is now able to play past the 45-minute mark.Al-Nassr will subsequent face Al-Taawoun as they give the impression of being to take care of their good begin to the Saudi Professional League season.
