Cristiano Ronaldo: Al-Hilal fans’ hilarious taunts by the name of Lionel Messi draws trademark reply from Ronaldo as Al-Hilal goes seven points clear at the top
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr gets humiliated at the hands of Al-Hilal as Saudi Pro League toppers extend their lead at the top by seven points after defeating Al-Nassr. But something else snatched the spotlight from this game when Ronaldo responded in his trademark style when Al-Hilal fans were taunting him by saying Lionel Messi’s name.
Al-Hilal humiliated in a horrific defeat
It was a battle of the top two teams at Saudi Pro League, when Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr were involved in a fierce encounter, a battle which could have intensified the title race. But, it was all Al-Hilal when they defeated Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in a resounding 3-0 victory at home, racing seven points clear at the top, which further strengthened their firm grip on the trophy. In Riyadh derby, lot was at stake for both sides as a victory for either would be a confident hold towards the title race. Although Neymar was unavailable for Al-Hilal, they were already a step ahead in the game owing to the presence of former Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and former Fulham striker Alexander Mitrovic’s dazzling form, who had wreaked havoc among the streets of Riyadh.
Although the game was all-square at the half-time, it took less than twenty minutes for Al-Hilal to draw the first blood through the support of Milinkovic-Savic, who scored on the 64th minute. Although Ronaldo did find the back of the net on the 73rd minute, when they were trailing 0-1 to league toppers, but it was a frustrating offside call which marred the game for them, Coach Luis Castro was furious with the offside decision being ruled out by VAR, as he was seen in an animated conversion with the match officials, showing his phone about the potential goal.
But after Ronaldo’s disallowed goal, it was a routine victory for Al-Hilal as a three-minute brace from Mitrovic sealed the deal for them, inflicting further pain on Al-Nassr, as they cemented their top spot of the Saudi Pro League table. Although Al-Bulaihi was sent off on the dying minutes, it did not lessen the joyous chants in the stadium which could mar their victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture towards fans
Five time Balon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo went in to this game with 18 goals and nine assists to his name, he could do little to salvage some pride for Al-Nassr in the Riyadh Derby. He did found the net once, but it was agonizingly ruled out due to offside, thus keeping Al-Nassr in hunt of goal. But what stole the show was Ronaldo’s gesture towards Al-Hilal fans who were taunting him by Messi’s name. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United legend was seen blowing kisses at the home fans who were chanting Messi’s name.
With this 3-0 rout of arch rivals Al-Nassr, Jorge Jesus’ side are steamrolling in the Saudi League, as they have extended their lead at the top by seven points. Closely trailing behind Al-Nassr is Al-Ahli, who are eleven points behind leaders Al-Hilal. They have been impressive this season, although they have lost one of their biggest names in the form of Neymar, who is slated to be on the sidelines for next year’s Copa America to be staged in United States of America.
