Ronaldo will get off to successful begin in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo obtained off to a successful begin making his long-awaited debut for Saudi Arabian facet Al Nassr in a 1-0 victory over Ettifaq on Sunday.

 It was the Portuguese celebrity’s first match within the Saudi Pro League since changing into the most effective paid footballer in historical past, though he failed to attain on his debut.

The 37-year-old signed a 2-1/2 yr cope with Al Nassr final month, reported to be price over 200 million euros, however has needed to wait to play due to a two-match ban for knocking a telephone out of a fan’s hand in April.

Expectations for his debut had been sky-high after his brace in opposition to Paris St Germain in a pleasant on Thursday, however regardless of showcasing loads of endeavour in opposition to Al Ettifaq, Ronaldo was unable so as to add to his tally of greater than 800 senior targets total for membership and nation.

Named the captain forward of the match, he was stuffed with operating and had a few vibrant moments, however principally lower a lonely determine up entrance as his new crew mates gave the impression to be on a distinct wavelength and infrequently picked him out.

The Portugal worldwide had a shot from the sting of the penalty space blocked early on within the first half, earlier than being denied a penalty shout upon being wrestled to the bottom by an Ettifaq defender within the nineteenth minute.

Brazilian ahead Talisca put Al Nassr forward within the thirty first minute, when he rose to fulfill Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem’s cross and plant a header previous Al Ettifaq goalkeeper Paulo Victor.

Ronaldo’s greatest second after the break got here in a supportive function, as he performed a cross into the toes of Pity Martinez, whose first-time shot was tipped over the bar by Victor.

Victor was stored on his toes, as Al-Sulaiheem and Talisca pressured him into saves with well-struck efforts from lengthy vary, however Al Nassr had been unable to seek out one other aim.

Ronaldo’s need to kick off his stint at Al Nassr with a aim grew to become an increasing number of evident because the second half wore on, culminating with an unsuccessful try at a bicycle kick.

“In the world of football there is one Cristiano Ronaldo and we are happy to have him with us. Ronaldo’s personality helped him to adapt with the team,” goalscorer Talisca advised Saudi Sports Channel.