Cristiano Ronaldo performed brilliantly by contributing two goals when Al Nassr won 3-1 over Al Gharafa in the 2024/2025 Asian Elite Champions League match at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Monday (25/11).
Al Nassr managed to control the game from the start of the match. In the 31st minute, referee Shaun Evans checked VAR after Al Nassr striker Sadio Mane was tripped by Al Gharafa defender Matias Nani in the penalty box. However, referee Shaun Evans did not judge the incident as a penalty.
In the 44th minute Al Nassr got a golden opportunity through Ronaldo. However, Ronaldo’s volley was blocked by the Al Gharafa defender.
The first half match ended with a score of 0-0. After the first half ended, Ronaldo appeared to approach referee Shaun Evans to protest regarding a number of violations.
Only one minute had started in the second half, Ronaldo managed to score a goal to put Al Nassr ahead 1-0.
The goal came from Sultan Al Ghannam’s pass from the right side which Ronaldo managed to head home.
Then in the 60th minute Al Nassr succeeded in increasing the lead to 2-0 through Angelo’s beautiful goal which went past the opposing goalkeeper after showing off his skills.
Then in the 64th minute Ronaldo managed to score the second goal with a flick of his right foot which glided swiftly into the left side of Al Gharafa’s goal to put Al Nassr ahead 3-0.
Finally, in the 75th minute, Al Gharafa was able to reduce the deficit to 1-3 with Joselu’s shot.
In the 84th minute, Al Nassr got a free kick after Sadio Mane was fouled by Seydou Sano in front of the Al Gharafa penalty box. Seydou Sano was given a second yellow card which resulted in him being sent off.
Until the match ended, no additional goals were scored. Al Nassr won 3-1 over Al Gharafa.
This victory made Al Nassr rise from third to second place in the Western Region Asia Elite Champions League standings by packing 13 points from the five matches played.
