Securing victory in the Arab Club Champions Cup (ACCC) provided Al Nassr with an ideal launchpad for the onset of the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season. After conceding the league title to Al Ittihad in 2022/23, Cristiano Ronaldo is resolute in his quest to steer Al Nassr back to the zenith of Saudi football. Nonetheless, the promising form exhibited by his team during the summer has yet to materialize at the outset of the domestic campaign.
the Arab Club Champions Cup (ACCC) provided Al Nassr platform for the new season
In a characteristic display of his influence, Ronaldo rose to the occasion in the ACCC final against Al Hilal, propelling Al Nassr to triumph with a well-timed brace. His contribution restored a trophy to Riyadh, and the illustrious Portuguese athlete is undoubtedly aiming for sustained success throughout the season ahead.
Ronaldo played a stunning performance
However, the initial phase of Al Nassr’s 2023/24 Saudi Pro League journey has encountered setbacks. Two matches, two defeats; Ronaldo’s squad already trails the reigning champions by six points. A rapid resurgence is imperative to avoid an early relegation from the title contention race.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2023/24 campaign up to now
Ronaldo exhibited his goal-scoring prowess in his debut season in Saudi Arabia, finding the net on 14 occasions in 16 Saudi Pro League matches.
Scoring is a habit to Ronaldo
During Al Nassr’s triumphant run in the Arab Club Champions Cup, the 38-year-old continued his prolific form with six goals in as many games. Following a 29-minute appearance in the group stage draw against Al Shabab, Ronaldo proceeded to score in each subsequent match, culminating in a brace in the final.
He’s an inevitable part of Al Nassr
However, his goal account for the 2023/24 season remains unopened after two matches. Ronaldo was sidelined for Al Nassr’s loss to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq but made his return against Al Taawoun. He was on the field for the entire game, firing four shots, two of which were on target. Despite his efforts, Al Nassr faced a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Al Taawoun, leaving Ronaldo yet to find the back of the net this season.
When is Cristiano Ronaldo’s upcoming match with Al Nassr?
Ronaldo is set to grace the field with Al Nassr once again on Tuesday evening as they welcome Shabab Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League play-offs. Shabab Al Ahli clinched the UAE Pro League title in the previous season and will prove to be a formidable opponent for Ronaldo’s team, which could be grappling with diminished confidence following consecutive defeats.
The next match is against Al Fateh
The victor of Tuesday’s showdown will secure a berth in the AFC Champions League group stages. Al Nassr’s subsequent league encounter is slated for Friday, August 25, with a kick-off scheduled at 19:00 (BST). Ronaldo’s squad is slated for an away fixture against Al Faisaly in this crucial league match.