Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-awaited debut for Al-Nassr started with a 1-0 win over Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday.
Ronaldo captained the team on his first start and was influential in their narrow victory, thanks to a first-half goal by Brazilian Anderson Talisca, who headed the ball at close range after it went past Ronaldo.
First game, first win – well done guys 🙌🏻 Thanks to all the fans for incredible support. 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/vmgwE8TgVo
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 22, 2023
The Portuguese international signed for the Saudi Arabian side early in January, however, his debut was delayed by a two-match ban imposed by the English FA during his stint at Manchester United in 2022.
The Saudi Arabian nation did nonetheless witness the Portuguese star in action during a combined XI from Al Nassr and Al Hilal in an exhibition game against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Thursday.
The match pitted the 37-year-old against Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and long-time rival Lionel Messi. Both Ronaldo and Messi were on the scoresheet in a nine-goal thriller, with PSG winning 5-4.
Ronaldo is expected to lead his side in a top-of-the-table clash against Al-Ittihad on Thursday night. Al-Ittihad are currently third on the log with 31 points while Al-Nassr sit on top of the log with 33 points.
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