Cristiano Ronaldo has guided Al-Nassr ot their first Saudi Pro League title since 2018-19. The Portuguese superstar scored a brace in the final game of the season to seal a 4-1 win over Damac and clinch the title in style.
Al-Nassr went into the game knowing that they needed to win to seal the SPL title on their own. Any other result would have left them dependent on Al-Hilal’s game, as a draw would have left the two teams level on points, while a loss would have seen the rivals jump ahead.
Thanks for the submission!
The 4-1 win on Thursday, May 21, has now confirmed Al-Nassr’s league title, and it is also Ronaldo’s first major trophy with the Saudi side. Since joining in 2022, the Portuguese superstar had managed just the Arab Club Champions Cup, which FIFA does not recognise as an official tournament.
The Saudi side’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, spoke about the importance of winning the title ahead of the match, saying it was his main aim since accepting the invitation to take over at the club last summer. He said:
“When I received the invitation from [Al Nassr CEO José] Semedo and Cris [Cristiano Ronaldo], I only accepted this challenge to help Cris win titles in Saudi Arabia. That was my purpose.”
“Every title is different, and we really want it, for the nation of Al Nassr, and for Cris as well, it’s fundamental. Especially for what he has done not only for Saudi Arabian football but also for Nassr.” (via ESPN)
Al-Nassr were close to sealing the title last week when they had a 1-0 lead over Al-Hilal in the 97th minute, but an unfortunate own goal from goalkeeper Bento took the title decider to the final match of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr labelled as the toughest challenge by Jorge Jesus
Jorge Jesus has claimed that managing Al-Nassr has been the toughest challenge of his career. He claimed that Al-Hilal were getting more help compared to the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side and said:
“Al Nassr has been the most challenging project. I realise it was the most difficult project of my sporting career. Why? Because I knew the other opponents and I helped the great rival [Al Hilal] for two years create a super team.”
“From day one, our main objective has been to be champions of Saudi Arabia. If we had to choose, it would always be to be champions of Saudi Arabia. That is our main goal, that’s why we came here.”
Cristiano Ronaldo went on strike earlier this season in protest of the PIF favouritism.
Edited by Sripad
