Cristiano Ronaldo rescues Al Nassr against Zamalek in a 1-1 draw
Cristiano Ronaldo rescues Al Nassr after scoring an 87th-minute header against Zamalek in a 1-1 draw. Roanldo’s goal helped Al-Nassr progress to the knockout rounds.
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr found themselves 1-0 down after Ahmed Sayed converted a penalty in the 53rd minute. However, the Portuguese international stepped up with just three minutes of added time remaining. The Al Nassr captain popped up with a crucial equaliser in the final Group C fixture.
Al Nassr were almost out of the Arab Club Champions Cup, but Ghislain Konan whipped in a ball from the left flank and who else but Cristiano Ronaldo was there to score a thunder header.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has already had brilliant moments like this in his career. When his team needs him in big moments, he always tends to deliver.
Sadio Mane makes Al Nassr debut
Al Nassr also handed ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane his debut, who came on in the second half. However, the Senegal international could not affect the match like his illustrious new teammate Ronaldo could.
Mane left Bayern Munich earlier this week to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Arabia. He was named as a substitute by Al Nassr manager Luis Castro against Egyptian side Zamalek.
The 31-year-old congratulated Ronaldo on social media after his last-minute equaliser that helped Al Nassr to qualify for the next round.
Cristiano Ronaldo rescues Al Nassr in the Arab Club Champions Cup
After scoring the equaliser, Ronaldo immediately grabbed the ball and darted back to the halfway line as Al Nassr looked for a winning goal. But, his 840th goal of his stunning career was enough to secure passage to the quarter-finals.
Al Nassr finished second in Group C on five points as a result, one point ahead of Zamalek and two behind group winners Al Shabab.
Al Nassr start the new Saudi Pro League campaign against Al Ettifaq. The side managed by Steven Gerrard and featuring new signings Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele.
