In this match, Cristiano Ronaldo was not allowed to play due to a suspension from the Saudi Arabian Disciplinary Committee. Even so, he still came to the field to cheer on his teammates.
Against the opponent at the bottom of the table, Al Nassr seemed to have an easy victory at home. However, coach Luis Castro’s team encountered many difficulties. Aderson Talisca scored a hat-trick, but the lax defense still caused Al Nassr to concede 3 goals.
At minute 90+4, it seemed like Al Nassr had secured 3 points, when Sadio Mane successfully took the penalty, increasing the score to 4-3. However, Ronaldo and the home fans collapsed when they saw Ricardo score to set the score at 4-4 for the away team, when the clock turned to minute 90+9.
In the VIP stands, Ronaldo held his head in disappointment. Al Nassr almost “raised the white flag” in the championship race with Al Hilal.
At this time, Ronaldo and his teammates were still 6 points behind their city rivals but had played one more match. If Al Hilal wins the next match, the gap will widen to 9 points. Al Nassr has no chance of reversing the situation after losing both direct matches with Al Hilal.
The scenario of Ronaldo and his teammates finishing second in two consecutive seasons is entirely possible. Al Nassr has invested a lot of money but still does not have synchronization in gameplay. The attackers still did their job well, but the defenders left too many worries.
At this time, Ronaldo’s club only has one possible goal, which is the AFC Champions League, where they have reached the quarterfinals. If they overcome Al Ain, Al Nassr will meet an opponent from the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal or Al Ittihad, in the semi-finals.
