Cristiano Ronaldo suffered his first Saudi Pro League defeat when Al-Ittihad defeated his Al-Nassr team 1-0 to take the lead in the standings.
All eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo to make the difference in the encounter between Saudi Arabia’s top two teams after he scored eight goals in four games during the month of February. However, the 38-year-old found it difficult to get into the game and was unable to motivate his team to victory as they suffered a well-deserved loss.
The hosts enjoyed the better chances in a first half that lacked any real quality, but they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Ronaldo had one opportunity before halftime, but the Portuguese star’s shot was saved by Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.
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During the second half, it was Al Ittihad who took the attack, as they knew they needed a win to jump into first place in the Saudi Pro League.
Brazilian star Romarinho had a volley cleared off the line, but made no mistake 10 minutes from time to put Al Ittihad in the lead. After the ball was played into him on the edge of the penalty area, he produced a fine first touch to move into the box and calmly slotted the back into the back of the net.
Al Nassr failed to create any clear-cut chances and it looked like they were out of the game when Cristiano Ronaldo got a chance at goal. Al Ittihad’s goalkeeper brilliantly saved the shot.
Ronaldo has now gone two games without scoring, and he was visibly upset as he rushed off the field and into the tunnel after the final whistle.
