By Victor Kanayo
Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo has won first title with Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr after his brace gifted them first Arab Club Champions Cup.
The gruelling victory in extra time despite finishing with nine men.
At 38 years, Ronaldo produced stunning performance as his club came from behind to beat fellow Saudi side Al-Hilal 2-1.
Ronaldo Difference, Late Injury
Ronaldo, who finished as top scorer in the competition, which included the top clubs from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, cancelled out Michael’s opener before Abdulelah Al-Amri and Nawaf Boushal were sent off for Al-Nassr.
But Ronaldo scored again in the first half of extra time to seal his first trophy since his lucrative move.
However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was carted off with five minutes left following a collision, just two days before his side’s Saudi Pro League opener against Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.
The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus forward agreed a move to the Saudi Pro League in December and helped his side finish runners-up last season.
Influx Of Football Stars Into Saudi Arabia
Few months after, more big names have followed him to Saudi Arabia this summer, including new team-mates Sadio Mane, Seko Fofana and Marcelo Brozovic.
The trio were all denied by goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais in the first half at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia have now become latest destination for star players.
Recently, Al-Hilal lured Kylian Mbappe with highest bid ever which he turned down.
The club then turned to Nigeria’s Super star, Victor Osimhen, with another huge offer, likely not going to be accepted as well.
