Hofuf, February 15
Cristiano Ronaldo made an immediate impact on his return to the starting lineup for Al-Nassr, scoring in their Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Fateh after missing two matches due to a dispute over financial support and transfer activity, according to Goal.com.
The Al-Nassr captain had reportedly stepped away amid frustration over the club's limited movement in the transfer market, especially after title rivals Al-Hilal secured the signing of his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema. The 39-year-old had missed games against Al-Ittihad and Al-Riyadh earlier this month.
Restored to the starting 11 on Saturday, Ronaldo wasted no time proving his value. After a good start from Al-Nassr, the breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute. Sadio Mane slipped a pass into the box, and Ronaldo finished first-time with a precise strike into the bottom-right corner. Despite the opportunity carrying an expected goals value of just 0.21, the clinical finish highlighted his trademark composure. In the 78th minute, Al-Nassr made it 2-0 with Ayman Ahmed's goal.
Ronaldo had already been active before finding the net, sending an early attempt over the crossbar and later trying his luck from distance following a pass from Marcelo Brozovic. Additional chances fell to Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman during an energetic opening spell.
Al-Nassr entered the match sitting third in the Saudi Pro League table, four points behind leaders Al-Hilal but with a game in hand, keeping them firmly in contention for the title. They now sit second on the points table with 52 points in 21 matches, including 17 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw.
On a personal level, Ronaldo remains in the hunt for the Golden Boot. He trails Ivan Toney of Al-Ahli, who tops the scoring charts, as well as Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah. Saturday's goal marked Ronaldo's 17th of the season, highlighting his importance for the club.
- ANI
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