Al-Nassr was eliminated from the continental competition after losing 3-1 in a penalty shootout to Al Ain, a UAE Pro League team, in the second leg of their quarter-final matchup on Monday. Despite Ronaldo’s last-minute penalty goal in extra time, which forced the game into penalties, he also missed a crucial opportunity from close range after the Al Ain goalkeeper deflected the ball straight to him.
Taking to Instagram, the 39-year-old broke his silence on the heartbreaking loss in the AFC Champions League, posting a team photo from the match with the message: “Thank you for your support. We’ll find a way to bounce back and come back stronger! Together, always!”
Manager Luis Castro expressed disappointment over the defeat, suggesting that luck wasn’t on their side despite Al-Nassr’s numerous scoring opportunities and overall dominance. Al-Nassr still has the Saudi Pro League – where they trail league leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points – and the Saudi Super Cup to compete for in the remaining months of the season.
Ronaldo, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, will be back in action for his club on Friday as they face Al-Ahli in a crucial league fixture.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
This season he played in total 21 times for 1886 minutes for Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 21 goals for Al Nassr. He procured 9 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Pro League. In the last match Al Nassr lost 3-1 against Al Raed. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Ahli Jeddah.
Al Nassr performance and stats
Al Nassr is currently 2nd in the Pro League with 53 points.
In the last 23 games, it has won 17 times, drawn twice, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Al Nassr lost 1-3 against Al Raed.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 65 goals and conceding 33.
Al Nassr will play the next match in Pro League against Al Ahli Jeddah on Wednesday 27th of March in Jeddah.