Cristiano Ronaldo was at his best as Al-Nassr downed Al-Gharafa in their AFC Champions League clash to propel them into second place in their group.
Al-Nassr have not been showing top form so far this season as they have struggled to get regular wins in the Saudi Pro League, however, they were at their absolute best against Qatar Stars League side Al-Gharafa in their matchday five clash of the AFC Champions League at Al Bayt Stadium.
The Saudi Pro League side dominated the proceedings from the outset of the clash in Qatar with Ronaldo coming close to scoring the opener from outside the box after just three minutes, but was denied by a Sergio Rico save. The same was the case when the five-time Ballon d’Or winner let rip a shot from the edge of the box. Despite their continued dominance, those two attempts from Ronaldo were the only shots on target through the first half.
However, it wasn’t long after the start of the second half that the former Real Madrid star was able to beat the Spaniard with a header after a delightful cross by Sultan Al-Ghannam found Ronaldo at the edge of the six-yard box.
After getting the lead on the night, Al-Nassr switched into another gear as Angelo and Otavio combined for a delightful one-two before the former’s delightful footwork allowed him to beat Rico and slot the ball into the back of the net to double the lead for the visitors just before the hour mark.
Ronaldo then managed to double his tally on the night as Angelo found the Portugal captain in acres of space before Ronaldo sat the defender down with a perfect dummy and slotted the ball into Rico’s side netting to virtually put Al-Nassr past Al-Gharafa’s reach.
However, after Al-Nassr’s third goal of the night, Al-Gharafa turned up the heat as the Saudi Pro League side seemed to ease off the pedal.
Following a triple change by Stefano Pioli, which saw Ronaldo replaced by Brazilian forward Wesley, former Real Madrid man and Al-Gharafa striker Joselu managed to claw one goal back after he rallied onto a save by Al-Nassr’s Bento and slotted it past the stricken goalkeeper.
Nonetheless, the goal was nothing but a consolation for the Qatari side who saw defender Seydou Sano sent off soon after which ceded any sort of hopes for a comeback as Al-Nassr grew back into the game for a comfortable 3-1 win at Al Bayt Stadium.
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