In a bitter defeat for Cristiano Ronaldo and his team, Al Nassr, the Portuguese superstar had to endure the sweet sound of “Messi, Messi, Messi!” “cries resounding from the fervent Al Hilal supporter The Saudi Pro League match ended with a 3-0 victory for Al Hilal in the Riyadh derby.
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The Unforgettable Chants
As Ronaldo made his way off the field, the jubilant Al Hilal supporters couldn’t help but taunt him with chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi!” The mention of Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s lifelong nemesis, excited everyone and made the losing team’s wounds worse. It was a moment that highlighted Ronaldo’s enduring popularity and the intense focus on him within Saudi Arabian soccer.
Ronaldo’s Presence
Even before the match began, Ronaldo’s presence was felt in the stadium. Amidst cheers from the several thousand away fans, many of whom sported his iconic No. 7 jersey, there were also jeers from the home supporters. It was a testament to his larger-than-life persona and the impact he has wherever he goes.
Ronaldo’s Stellar Performance
Throughout the season, Ronaldo had been a shining star for Al Nassr. Scoring an impressive 15 goals in the previous 14 league games, he topped the scoring charts and played a pivotal role in pushing Al Nassr to second place in the league, just behind Al Hilal. With renowned teammates such as Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles, Al Nassr had a formidable lineup.
A Role Model on and off the Field
Ronaldo’s coach, Luis Castro, never fails to acknowledge the positive influence he has on his teammates. According to Castro, Ronaldo is not only a phenomenal player but also an exemplary figure who embodies qualities such as discipline, ambition, and dedication. He serves as an inspiration to everyone in the Al Nassr team.
Ronaldo’s Determination
During the derby match against Al Hilal, Ronaldo gave his all on the field. In the second half, with his team trailing by a single goal, he unleashed a fierce volley that soared into the net. Unfortunately, it was ruled out for offside by a narrow margin. Moments later, Ronaldo found himself on the ground, claiming that he had been elbowed in the Al Hilal penalty area. He was determined to make a difference, fighting for every opportunity.
Al Hilal’s Superstar
While Ronaldo steals the spotlight at Al Nassr, Al Hilal also boasts a superstar of their own. Neymar, who joined the team from Paris Saint-Germain in August, proved to be a valuable asset until his unfortunate injury during international duty with Brazil in October. Despite his absence, Neymar continues to support his teammates on social media, sending them messages of encouragement and good luck.
The Impressive Roster
Al Hilal’s team is comprised of not only international talents but also highly regarded English Premier League players. Mitrovic, Rúben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly, who arrived during the summer, bring their expertise to the team. Additionally, several Saudi Arabian internationals, including Salem Al-Dawsari and Saleh Al-Shehri, add to the strength of the squad. These players have proven themselves on various occasions, such as their remarkable 2-1 victory against Lionel Messi’s Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
The Road Ahead
The derby defeat dealt a blow to Al Nassr’s title hopes, leaving them seven points behind Al Hilal after 15 rounds. Ronaldo and his team face an uphill battle in their pursuit of a tenth championship. However, given Ronaldo’s exceptional form this season, there’s a chance that he may have the last laugh, with the Messi chants slowly fading away.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
