Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action for Al-Nassr on Friday and scored in a 3-0 victory over Diriyah after a controversial international break with Portugal.The 41-year-old striker received a warm welcome from Al-Nassr supporters, who displayed a giant tifo carrying the message “Greatness is earned.”The tribute came days after Ronaldo’s decision to leave the Portugal squad attracted attention.Ronaldo opened the scoring before half-time, helping Al-Nassr secure an important win in the Saudi Pro League. The result moved the defending champions level on points with league leaders Al-Qadsiah, who remain ahead on goal difference after eight rounds.
Ronaldo answers controversy with a goal
Ronaldo’s return to club football followed a difficult international break. He was left on the bench for Portugal’s second match and was reportedly set to start the third as a substitute before leaving the squad. The forward, who has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, also criticised coach Jorge Jesus in a lengthy statement posted on Tuesday, saying the coach had not kept his word about his role in the Nations League.Reports in the English media suggested Ronaldo could face a suspension, with a decision expected on Friday.Despite the controversy, the former five-time Ballon d’Or winner started for Al-Nassr and made an immediate impact.
Al-Nassr seal comfortable victory
Ronaldo scored midway through the first half after Kingsley Coman’s effort from outside the penalty area was blocked by goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah. The Portuguese forward collected the rebound from close range to score the 980th goal of his career.Samu Costa doubled Al-Nassr’s lead just before half-time, while Coman completed the 3-0 victory with 13 minutes remaining. The team is coached by former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title in May under Jesus, making the supporters’ show of support another sign of his popularity at the club.Meanwhile, Al-Qadsiah strengthened their position at the top with a 5-0 win over Al-Kholood. Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders scored the opening goal, while Italy’s Mateo Retegui and Mexico’s Julian Quinones also found the net.