Cristiano Ronaldo could not help Al Nassr to win the league title in the first season after joining the Saudi professional league. Due to this Portuguese star has to face much criticism. But he did not take much time to win the first title for the new club. Ronaldo defeated Al Hilal alone in the final of the Arab Club Champions Cup. It was the first time that the Arab Club Champions Cup was won by Al Nassr.
The team that has never reached the final in the 41-year history of the Arab Club Championship Cup has reached the dream final. Finalist Al Nassr beat Al Hilal by 2-1 on Saturday (August 12) thanks to a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo to become champions for the first time. Ronaldo could not stay on the field until the end of the match. In the 113th minute, he was injured and left the field. Two players of Al Nassr have seen red cards in the match.
From the start, the game was dominated by attacks and counter-attacks. But neither team scored a goal in the first half. However, Al Hilal was slightly ahead in possession of the ball. Al Hilal went ahead shortly after. In the 51st minute, Brazilian winger Mikael scored to give Al Hilal the lead. The goal was assisted by another Brazilian striker Malcolm. After falling behind, Al Nassr’s danger increased in the 71st minute. Center back Abduleiyah Al-Amri saw a red card. But just three minutes later, Ronaldo equalized for Al Nassr.
Al Nasr became a team of nine men in 78 minutes. This time Nawaf Boushal sees a red card. The 90-minute game ends in a tie, it goes to extra time. Ronaldo gave Al Nassr the lead in the 98th minute. The Portuguese superstar scored 6 goals in this competition. Al Nassr’s coach also saw a red card after a few minutes and was forced to leave the dugout. Ronaldo also left the field after getting injured in the 114th minute of the match. But in the end, Al Nassr won the Arab Club Champions Cup after overcoming all odds. Ronaldo’s team became champions for the first time in the 42-year-old tournament known as King’s Cup. It was his first title since joining the club.