SportsNews
Back in form! Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr clinch Asian Champions League win
- Cristiano Ronaldo brought his mini-goal drought to a halt as Al-Nassr steamrolled past Al Ain in the AFC Champions League
- Single strikes from Wesley and the Portuguese phenom, an own goal from Fabio Cardoso and a brace from Anderson Talisca sealed a 5-1 win
- The comprehensive victory maintains Al-Nassr’s unbeaten run in the Asian equivalent of the UEFA Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo ended his three-game goal drought in style, leading Al-Nassr to a commanding win over Al Ain in the AFC Champions League.
The 5-1 victory carried a sense of redemption as Al-Nassr avenged last season’s heartbreaking semi-final loss to the Emirati side.
Ronaldo fires Al-Nassr to a thumping win
Desperate to halt a frustrating three-match winless streak, the Knights of Najd were quick to seize control.
Within five minutes of play, the home side set the tone, and it was former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan who sparked the attack, surging through Al Ain’s midfield before finding Anderson Talisca.
According to Goal, Talisca, in top form during Ronaldo’s scoring lull, capitalised with a composed finish, giving Al-Nassr an early lead that thrilled coach Stefano Pioli.
Ronaldo’s goal spurs eventual victory
Building on this momentum, Al-Nassr pressed for more, and by the half-hour mark, their persistence paid off.
Ronaldo showcased his instincts by reacting first to a fierce shot that Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa parried into his path, allowing the Portuguese forward to finish with ease.
Just six minutes later, Al-Nassr struck again with a quick one-two exchange between Wesley and Sadio Mane.
Wesley’s powerful strike deflected off an Al Ain defender, adding a touch of fortune to Al-Nassr’s already dominant lead.
Though Al Ain struggled to keep up, they managed a consolation goal courtesy of a Bento own goal, giving them a glimmer of pride amid Al-Nassr’s offensive onslaught.
Despite Al Ain’s attempts to rally in the closing stages, it was Brazilian pair Wesley and Talisca who capped off the night with an 81st-minute strike and a stoppage-time goal, securing a comprehensive 5-1 victory for Al-Nassr, per Daily Sports.
Ronaldo’s 1st penalty miss in Saudi costs Al-Nassr
In an earlier publication, Ekwutosblog reported that Cristiano Ronaldo played a central role in Al-Nassr’s exit from the Saudi King’s Cup.
The 39-year-old missed a last-minute penalty, resulting in a narrow loss to Al Taawoun, which ended the Knights of Najd’s cup run.
Ronaldo develops new way of dealing with ‘Messi’ chants
In an earlier report, Ekwutosblog shared that Cristiano Ronaldo faced taunts from opposing fans attempting to provoke him during the Riyadh Derby on November 1.
Known for enduring chants of “Messi” from rival fans, the 39-year-old seems to have developed a more composed response to these provocations, demonstrating a mature approach to handling the gestures.
Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi, has admitted they are waiting to see if the team would still play at the 2026 World Cup.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is optimistic of a potential lifeline from FIFA, after it submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Iwobi was asked by SuperSport if he would rather lift the AFCON 2025 trophy or qualify for the World Cup?
The 29-year-old, who played at the 2018 of the World Cup, replied: “I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment.
“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to say ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one. I don’t know. I don’t know.”
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE OF THE SUPER EAGLES ON THE PASSING OF HIS MOTHER
President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences
to Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze on the passing of his mother.
The President also extends his sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, who passed away on Thursday.
President Tinubu mourns with the Chukwueze family and encourages them to find solace in the memory and legacy of their late matriarch.
“The passing of Mrs Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles’ captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening.
I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President says.
President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will grant the departed eternal rest.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
Arsenal’s starting XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday evening has been unveiled.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted to start Gabriel Jesus ahead of Viktor Gyokeres to lead the Gunners’ attack against the Red Devils.
This comes after Jesus scored a brace against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.
The Brazilian will be assisted by Bukayo Saka and Leandro on the wings.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard return to join Martin Zubimendi.
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