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- Ronaldo says 2-0 win over Al-Khaleej ‘keeps the pressure on’ Al-Hilal at the top of the SPL table
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo’s world-class goal against Al-Khaleej has been described as “just normal” for him by his delighted Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was the inspiration behind Al Nassr’s 2-0 win on Saturday night at Al-Awwal Park in the Roshn Saudi League Matchday 12 fixture.
The opening strike saw Ronaldo collect the ball with his back to goal 25 yards out, swivel, and feint to shoot — thoroughly deceiving the Al-Khaleej defense — before unleashing a right-footed screamer into the top corner.
Fellow Portuguese Castro said: “That’s only normal for Cristiano! He makes that look easy. It’s a fantastic goal. Cristiano is No. 1 in the world. He’s a fantastic person and a fantastic professional. He’s massive on the pitch. It’s incredible. For me, he is an example for everybody, and he deserves the best always. He’s fantastic.”
Ronaldo then turned provider after his 26th-minute opener to seal victory for Al-Nassr, who are second in the Roshn Saudi League table, four points behind Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal.
Alex Telles’ deep free-kick from the left was crossed back by Ronaldo for defender Aymeric Laporte to tap home after 58 minutes and score his first goal for Al-Nassr since signing from Manchester City in the summer.
Ronaldo said: “Solid win. We keep the pressure on.”
A thrilled Laporte posted a picture of himself and a beaming Ronaldo in the changing room after the match on social media, accompanied by the famous “SIUUUUUUU” celebration caption.
Opposition manager Pedro Emanuel, a former Champions League winner with Porto under Jose Mourinho in 2004, sportingly praised Ronaldo’s goal.
Emanuel said: “Ronaldo is an experienced player and was faster attacking this ball … and we were not so fast recovering.”
Al-Nassr travel to Qatar to play Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday before continuing their Roshn Saudi League campaign at Al-Wehda on Saturday.
Al-Hilal, who beat Al-Fateh 2-0 on Friday, head to Mumbai City in the AFC Champions League on Monday before resuming Roshn Saudi League action at home to Al-Taawoun on Friday.
Al-Khaleej are at home to Al-Tai on Thursday in the Roshn Saudi League.