Cristiano Ronaldo scores 87th minute header to send Al Nassr through to Arab Champions Cup quarter-finals
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Cristiano Ronaldo came up clutch yet again with a huge goal for Al Nassr against Egyptian side Zamalek in the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Al Nassr, who handed a debut to new signing Sadio Mane in the second half, found themselves 1-0 down after Ahmed Sayed converted a penalty in the 53rd minute.
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But with three minutes of normal time remaining, captain Ronaldo popped up with a crucial equaliser in the final Group C fixture.
With Al Nassr on their way out from the competition, the ball was whipped in to the far post from the left flank from Ghislain Konan and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner headed home with aplomb as he has done on so many occasions.
THE SAVIOUR. pic.twitter.com/uC8F77oOAL
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) August 3, 2023
GOAL NUMBER 840 FOR THE GREATEST CRISTIANO RONALDO 🐐
He immediately grabbed the ball and darted back to the halfway line as Al Nassr looked for a winning goal but the strike, Ronaldo's 840th of his stunning career, was enough to secure passage to the quarter-finals.
Al Nassr finished second in Group C on five points as a result, one point ahead of Zamalek and two behind group winners Al Shabab.
It was Ronaldo's second goal in three competitive games this season and his 16th in 22 games for Al Nassr.
He now has a total of 300 goals scored without his preferred right foot, having reached that tally with headers and efforts with his left peg.
Al Nassr start the new Saudi Pro League campaign against an Al Ettifaq side managed by Steven Gerrard and featuring new signings Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele.
They get their new domestic campaign underway on Monday 14 August before hosting Al Taawoun four days later.
Having finished second last term, Luis Castro's side are also competing in the AFC Champions League and feature in a play-off fixture on 22 August but are yet to learn their opponent.
Featured Image Credit: Arab Champions Cup
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr