Ronaldo returns after Portugal quarrel and scores in Al-Nassr win
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday after a controversial international break with Portugal and bagged the opening goal as Al-Nassr beat Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League.The victory put the defending champion level on points behind leader Al-Qadsiah on goal difference in the eighth round.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Cristiano Ronaldo made his return to club football on Friday following a contentious international break with Portugal, netting the opening goal as Al-Nassr claimed a 3-0 victory over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League. The win saw the defending champions level on points with leaders Al-Qadsiah, though the tie was broken by goal difference.
During the international window, the 41-year-old Ronaldo opted out of the Portugal squad, for whom he has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances. In a lengthy statement posted on Tuesday, Ronaldo alleged that recently appointed coach Jorge Jesus had not lived up to his promises about when he would feature in the Nations League. Ronaldo opened the scoring on Friday, midway through the first half, capitalizing on a blocked Kingsley Coman shot to score his 980th career goal.
Samu Costa added a second goal for Al-Nassr, coached by former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou, just before halftime, while Coman secured the win with a well-taken third goal in the 77th minute. Earlier in the day, Al-Qadsiah had dominated their opponents Al-Kholood 5-0, with Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Retegui, and Julian Quinones all scoring.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Ronaldo returns after Portugal quarrel and scores in Al-Nassr win winnipegfreepress.com
- BREAKING: Portugal suspend Cristiano Ronaldo, to serve ban up to six months dailypost.ng
