RIYADH: Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo basked in jubilation as he steered Al-Nassr to a historic victory in the Arab Club Champions Cup final, capturing the coveted title for the first time in the club’s history. In a heartfelt message of gratitude, Ronaldo acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, friends, and fans, reflecting on his pivotal role in securing the momentous win.
Taking to the microblogging platform X, Ronaldo conveyed his immense pride, stating, “Extremely proud to have helped the team win this important trophy for the 1st time!” He extended his appreciation to every member of the club who contributed to this significant achievement, while also expressing his deep gratitude to his family and friends for their constant presence and support. Ronaldo’s sentiments were further underscored by the remarkable backing of Al-Nassr’s devoted fanbase.
Extremely proud to helped the team winning this important trophy for the 1st time!
Thank you to everyone in the club that was involved in this great achievement and to my familly and friends for always being by my side!
Fantastic support by our fans!This also belongs to you!💛💙 pic.twitter.com/MGDxXc7AD3— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) August 12, 2023
Al-Nassr clinched the championship with a triumphant 2-1 extra-time victory over fellow Saudi side Al-Hilal, adding to the exhilarating narrative of the tournament. Ronaldo’s journey with Al-Nassr saw him unable to secure a trophy last season, despite his prolific contributions. However, the 38-year-old star emerged as the top scorer of the tournament, netting six times en route to the ultimate triumph.
Arab Club Champions Cup a Stage for Elite Arab Clubs
The Arab Club Champions Cup serves as a stage for elite Arab clubs from diverse regions, encompassing teams from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Al-Nassr, boasting an array of renowned players, capitalized on key opportunities throughout the tournament, with season signings Sadio Mane, Seko Fofana, and Marcelo Brozovic showcasing their prowess.
The final proved to be a test of resilience and determination, with both sides showcasing remarkable tenacity. Al-Hilal took an early lead through Brazilian Michael, who executed a free header from a precision cross by Malcom. Ronaldo responded with a goal in the 74th minute, displaying his goal-scoring prowess as he connected with a low cross to level the playing field.
Despite facing challenges such as the dismissal of defender Abdulelah Al-Amri and a confrontation involving Nawaf Boushal, Al-Nassr held their ground, forcing the match into extra time. Ronaldo’s influence continued to shine as he secured the victory with a well-timed header after capitalizing on a rebound from the crossbar.
While the momentous victory marked a pinnacle achievement, a cloud of concern emerged as Ronaldo exited the field due to an apparent injury during extra time, mere days ahead of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Ettifaq.
