An angry Cristiano Ronaldo seemed to target an X-rated gesture at fans that were shouting “Lionel Messi” towards him during Al Nassr’s 2-0 loss to Al Hilal.
The Portuguese superstar found the game to be irritating. Al Nassr generated very few chances and struggled a lot. Al-Hilal led by two goals after Odion Ighalo’s two penalties, one in each half of the game.
Although Ronaldo appeared to have given his team the lead with a spectacular finish, the 38-year-old was ruled to be offside in a very tight decision. Al Nassr was given a penalty when Ronaldo’s free kick struck Moussa Marega in the arm, but a VAR review overruled that judgment as well.
The five-time Champions League champion was furious after missing a headed opportunity. After falling to the reigning Saudi and Asian Champions League champions, Al Nassr’s pursuit of the Saudi Pro League championship weakened significantly. The loss to their city rivals added insult to injury.
Having played one more game, Ronaldo and Al Nassr presently trail league leaders Al-Ittihad by three points with 53 points after 24 games.
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Fans’ attention was drawn to Ronaldo’s antics with an Al-Hilal player, though. Ronaldo was given a yellow card for an unusual tackle. It was the second card he received since arriving in the Arab country. Al Hilal player Gustavo Cuellar was taken down by Ronaldo after being grabbed by the head and neck.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo left the field looking very dejected. The Al-Hilal crowd booed and chanted “Messi, Messi” as the Portugal icon left the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr will have to divert their attention from the Saudi Pro League. As they have a King Cup of Champions matchup against Al Wehda on Tuesday.