Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr knocked out of Saudi Super Cup after 3-1 defeat to Al Ittihad

All eyes were on the Portugal star once again, as he took to the pitch at the 68,000 seater King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, but his Al Nassr side were outclassed.

Managed by Portuguese former Premier League manager Nuno Esperito Santo, Al Ittihad went ahead through first half goals from Brazilian Romarinho and Morocco international Abderrazak Hamdallah.

Ronaldo outplayed in Saudi Arabia

Al Nassr’s top scorer, the Brazilian Talisca, pulled one back for Al Nassr, but the Riyadh side were not able to draw level.

Deep into injury time at the end of the second half Al Ittihad cemented the win with a late goal from Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti.

Despite Ronaldo entertaining the crowd with tricks, flicks, a powerful header and a free kick that whistled over the bar, he was unable to score for the second game in a row in Al Nassr colours.

Hopes that Cristiano Ronaldo could lead his new side to a trophy early in his Saudi football career have been dashed, with eyes now turning to the league.  

His Al Nassr side sit at the top of the league table and face mid-table side Al Fateh on Friday, February 3.

Having scored twice in an exhibition game against Lionel Messi’s PSG side last week, Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to get on the scoresheet for Al Nassr.

Al Ittihad will now face Al-Feiha after they defeated Al-Hilal in the four-team tournament’s other tie.