In a spectacular show, Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo’s first home goal and ninth overall for Al Nassr came from a superb free-kick 78 minutes into Saturday’s Saudi Pro League game. Ronaldo’s long-range leveler came after Abdulfattah Adam had fired Abha into a shock lead midway through the first half.
It was a match of several twists and turns as Abha scored in the first half and it seemed like they would go on to script an incredible result but Ronaldo had other ideas.
His extraordinary free-kick in the 78th minute helped Al Nassr draw level and then five minutes later Talisca converted from the spot to help the hosts take the lead and eventually win the game. With this win Al Nassr remain in second place but only a point behind league leaders Al Ittihad.
Ronaldooooooo 🤩🤩🚀 pic.twitter.com/x8TnKXWbxF
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 18, 2023
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The Portugal star will now leave his club Al Nassr side for international duty. Ronaldo has been named in Roberto Martinez’s first Portugal squad for the start of Euro 2024 qualifying and games against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.
The 38-year-old Ronaldo was left out of Santos’ starting lineup for Portugal’s knockout-phase games at the tournament in Qatar, including the quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
Ronaldo can add to his international record 118 goals when Portugal plays European Championship qualifiers against Liechtenstein on March 23 and at Luxembourg three days later.