Ronaldo was back with a bang as Al Nassr claimed their place in the final of the Saudi Super Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his extraordinary talent and longetivity once again as he led Al-Nassr to a 2-0 victory over Al-Taawoun in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup.
The Portuguese superstar's brilliant performance not only secured his team’s place in the final but also demonstrated why he remains one of football's most formidable players at the age of 39.
From the outset, Ronaldo was a driving force on the pitch. His influence was apparent right from the first whistle, as he delivered a masterclass in both creativity and precision.
In the eighth minute, Ronaldo set up the opening goal with a sublime assist, gently touching the ball to Ayman Yahya, who capitalized on the opportunity with a clinical finish.
This early breakthrough came after Sadio Mane’s impressive run down the left flank, which Ronaldo expertly exploited.
Despite Al-Taawoun’s efforts to equalize, including several promising chances, Al-Nassr's Brazilian goalkeeper, Bento, played a crucial role with a series of remarkable saves that kept the visitors at bay.
Ronaldo almost extended Al-Nassr’s lead before halftime when he found Mane in a prime position, but Mane’s effort was thwarted by Al-Taawoun's goalkeeper, Mailson Santos.
The second half saw Ronaldo resume his dominant display. In the 57th minute, he netted Al-Nassr's second goal of the evening, finishing off a well-worked move that began with Yahya’s play on the right wing.
Sultan Al-Ghannam’s precise delivery allowed Ronaldo to slot the ball past Santos, reaffirming his return to form.
Ronaldo could have added a second goal to his tally but was denied by the woodwork.
The victory propels Al-Nassr into the Super Cup final, where they will face off against Al-Hilal on August 17, 2024.
Ronaldo’s standout performance in the semi-final has not only silenced critics who doubted his form after a disappointing Euro 2024 it also reignited excitement among Al-Nassr supporters.