The AFC Champions League had an electric return to life on Tuesday as legend Cristiano Ronaldo scored and unveiled a new celebration after his goal helped Al Nassr defeat Al Feiha 1-0.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to football after injury wasn’t pleasant, as Al Nassr lost to Al Hilal in the Riyadh Cup amidst controversy. However, with the return of the AFC Champions League, Mr. Champions League was back in form. His lone goal clinched victory for Al Nassr. The round of 16 first-leg tie saw Al Nassr visit Al Feiha where an extremely hostile audience greeted them.
However, the hostile crowd didn’t deter Cristiano, who was a man on a mission. After initial struggles to control the game, Al Nassr dominated the game creating several chances. Cristiano Ronaldo came close to scoring many times, but the goal eluded him. In the second half, things changed.
Ronaldo was on the edge of the opposition’s box as Marcelo Brozovic played an accurate pass into him. Despite being marked heavily, Cristiano managed to engage in a wonderful one-two combination with Brozovic. Ronaldo turned to rush into the box to receive Brozovic’s second pass. In the box, a skillful touch from Cristiano helped the ball into the back of the helpless Al Feiha goalkeeper. A move crafted by the sheer brilliance of the ex-Real Madrid man.
The new celebration from the same old Cristiano Ronaldo
Many were getting anxious as Al Nassr had failed to score till minute 80. However, Cristiano kept his cool as always. The Manchester United legend produced a moment cinematic moment with a great finish to stun the entire stadium. The goal out of nowhere made the crowd go crazy as Cristiano Ronaldo ran to the corner to unveil his new celebration. While many expected him to do the ‘siuu’, his new celebration set X on fire immediately. The celebration has now been dubbed a combination of two of Ronaldo’s iconic celebrations. Many fans of the veteran were happy to see him so happy and back to his best.
With that goal, the football legend has now scored 4 goals in the AFC Champions League this season. He is already the leading scorer in the Saudi Pro League with an astonishing 20 goals in 18 games. Aging like fine wine.
Al Nassr will return to action on 17th of February in the Saudi Pro League against Al Fateh. The Riyadh-based club will host Al Feiha in the second leg of the RO16 in the AFC Champions League on 21st February.
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