Ronaldo returns after Portugal quarrel and scores in Al-Nassr win
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action on Friday following a contentious international break with Portugal, scoring the opening goal as Al-Nassr defeated Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League. The victory left the defending champions tied with leaders Al-Qadsiah on points, separated by goal difference in the eighth round.
Ronaldo, 41, missed out on Portugal's squad during the international window, expressing dissatisfaction with newly appointed coach Jorge Jesus' lack of communication about his playing time in the Nations League. In Friday's match, Ronaldo opened the scoring midway through the first half following a rebound from Kingsley Coman's shot that blocked goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah.
Samu Costa added a second for Al-Nassr just before halftime, while Coman sealed the win with 13 minutes remaining. Al-Qadsiah had already secured the lead with a 5-0 victory over Al-Kholood earlier in the day, with Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Retegui, and Julian Quinones scoring for the visitors.
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