During the AFC Champions League qualification game between Al Nassr and Shabab Al Ahli, Ronaldo found himself at the center of attention after being denied two penalty claims
What Happened?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s side took an early lead in the Asian Champions League play-off, with Anderson Talisca scoring the opener.
However, the game took a dramatic turn as Yahya Al Ghassani scored twice, putting Shabab Al Ahli ahead 2-1. Al Nassr, determined to turn the tide, made a remarkable comeback, with Sultan Al Ghannam leveling the scoreline in the 88th minute. Then, in a stunning finish, Talisca secured a 95th-minute winner, followed by a late goal from former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, making it 4-2 in added time of the match.
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At halftime, Ronaldo made headlines, not for his on-field performance, but for his visible frustration. In the first half, he saw an acrobatic effort blocked by an arm, which went unnoticed by the referee. He also believed he should have been awarded another penalty after being blocked in the area. Ronaldo’s frustration spilled over as he walked down the tunnel, where he vented his anger. He not only yelled at the referee on the pitch but also appeared to scold an official, urging them to “wake up” and expressing his frustration with a hearty expletive. In a surprising turn of events, he even shoved a spectator who was attempting to take a selfie with him.
Despite the drama, Ronaldo continues to impress in Saudi Arabia, with an impressive record of 20 goals in 26 matches since joining Al Nassr. His presence has also influenced other high-profile players to consider making the switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Interestingly, Anderson Talisca, the hero of the match, might face an unexpected setback. Reports suggest that he could be removed from the club’s Asian Champions League squad due to the Asian Confederation’s rule, which limits the number of players born outside the continent to five.
