For the whole of the campaign, GOAL will be evaluating the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's displays in Saudi Arabia
Despite the influx of new signings in the Saudi Pro League over the summer, there is still one player fans want to see in action more than any other: Cristiano Ronaldo. Having arrived at Al-Nassr in January, the Portuguese superstar is ready to embark on a full campaign with the club for the first time.
Ronaldo and his new team came up short in the title race last season, and so he will be determined not to let that happen again. Factor in the famous faces that have now joined him in the league who will be aiming to outshine the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, and Ronaldo should be even more keen to ensure he remains top dog in his new home.
GOAL is here, then, to ensure you don't miss out on any of Ronaldo's displays during his first full season in the Middle East, as we will be casting our eye over and giving an evaluation on how he fares in each of his outings in 2023-24.
December 30: Al-Taawoun 1-4 Al-Nassr, Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a record-extending 54th goal of 2023 as he finished the year on a high as Al-Nassr came from behind to beat Al-Taawoun 4-1 in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday to cut the gap on leaders Al-Hilal to seven points.
The visitors had to come from a goal down after going behind early in the game after Al-Taawoun were awarded a penalty for a tangle in the box. The decision was given after a VAR check that left Ronaldo raging and booked for his protests. Captain Aschraf El Mahdioui then stepped up to take the penalty and saw his initial effort saved by Al-Nassr keeper Aschraf El, but he managed to knock home the rebound.
The lead was short-lived as Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr get back on level terms just before the half-hour mark. The Portugal international combined superbly with Talisca to tee up Marcelo Brozovic to drive into the area and finish powerfully to make it 1-1.
Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporta then headed Al-Nassr in front just five minutes later. A corner was met firmly by the centre-back, who connected powerfully with the ball to give Ronaldo’s team the lead heading into the half-time break.
Al-Nassr extended their lead just minutes into the second half. A Brozovic ball into the box was cleared straight to Otavio who swept home from close range for 3-1. Ronaldo should have made it 4-1 when sent clean through on goal moments later but ended up firing wildly over the bar with just the keeper to beat.
Another chance went begging with 20 minutes to go. Ronaldo was played into the area but smashed a fierce left-footed effort against the frame of the goal. Al-Taawoun threatened to pull a goal back in the closing stages but couldn't find a way past Nawaf Alaqidi.
Instead it was left to Ronaldo to finish the game in style. The 38-year-old netted his 54th goal in 59 matches this calendar year with a deft header at the far post to seal a comfortable win and an important three points. Grade: B
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