Anderson Talisca has earned Al Nassr a 1-Zero dwelling win over Al Ettifaq, however the followers that turned as much as Mrsool Park in droves to see Cristiano Ronaldo in motion had been left disillusioned after he was unable to mark his Saudi Professional League debut with a purpose .
Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half 12 months take care of Al Nassr final month, reported to be value over 200 million euros ($A312m), however has needed to wait to play due to a two-match ban by England’s FA for knocking a telephone out of a fan’s hand in April.
Expectations for his debut had been sky-high after his brace towards Paris Saint-Germain in a pleasant on Thursday, however regardless of showcasing loads of endeavor towards Al Ettifaq, the 37-year-old was unable so as to add to his tally of greater than 800 senior objectives total for membership and nation.
Named captain forward of the match, Ronaldo was stuffed with working and had a few shiny moments, however principally lower a lonely determine up entrance as his new teammates gave the impression to be on a distinct wavelength and infrequently picked him out.
The Portugal worldwide had a shot from the sting of the penalty space blocked early within the first half, earlier than being denied a penalty shout upon being wrestled to the bottom within the 19th minute.
Brazilian ahead Talisca put Al Nassr forward within the 31st minute, when he rose to plant a header previous Al Ettifaq goalkeeper Paulo Victor.
Ronaldo’s finest second after the break got here in a supportive position, as he performed a cross into the toes of Pity Martinez, whose first-time shot was tipped over the bar by Victor.
Victor was saved on his toes, as Al-Sulaiheem and Talisca compelled him into saves with well-struck efforts from lengthy vary, however Al Nassr had been unable to seek out one other purpose.
Ronaldo’s need to kick off his stint at Al Nassr with a purpose grew to become increasingly more evident because the second half wore on, culminating with an unsuccessful try at a bicycle kick.
“On the planet of soccer there’s one Cristiano Ronaldo and we’re joyful to have him with us,” Talisca advised Saudi Sports activities Channel.
“Ronaldo’s character helped him to adapt with the staff.”
Al Nassr’s win moved them again into first place within the league standings on 33 factors from 14 matches, after they had been briefly overtaken by Al Hilal earlier on Sunday.
“If you wish to win the title, we have to win such video games and combat,” Talisca added.
“Our purpose was to return to the highest and we succeeded in that, and I congratulate the gamers on reaching our purpose,”
Al Nassr subsequent face Al Ittihad in a Saudi Tremendous Cup semi-final on Thursday.
