Ronaldo Out With Injury as Al Nassr Triumphs
Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season in Saudi Arabia reached its conclusion on Wednesday, marking the end of an eventful chapter for the star forward. However, Ronaldo was absent from the final match as his team, Al-Nassr, secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh, securing second place in the league standings.
The Portuguese sensation joined the Riyadh-based club in December, and his impact was immediate. In just 16 league games, Ronaldo showcased his exceptional skills by netting an impressive 14 goals. Unfortunately, he sustained a muscle injury four days prior to the final match, which prompted his absence. The decision to rest him was taken to ensure his full recovery ahead of Portugal’s crucial European Championship qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland in June.
In Ronaldo’s absence, another player stepped up to take the spotlight. Anderson Talisca, the talented Brazilian midfielder, delivered a stellar performance, contributing two goals to Al-Nassr’s triumph. Talisca’s proficiency extended beyond scoring as he also provided an assist for Mohammed Marwan, who found the back of the net for the third goal.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad, a formidable force in Saudi Arabian football, had already secured the league championship in the penultimate round. This victory marked their first title triumph since 2009. Celebrating their success, Al-Ittihad sealed their championship campaign with a 2-0 win against Al-Tai.
Match Highlights
The Moroccan striker, Abderazzak Hamdallah, played a pivotal role in Al-Ittihad’s victory. He opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty in the second half, securing his position as the league’s top scorer, claiming the golden boot with an impressive tally of 21 goals. To seal their triumph, Helder Costa, a former player for Leeds United and Wolverhampton, added the second goal in injury time, igniting joyous celebrations among the Al-Ittihad faithful.
For coach Nuno Espirito Santo, this title win represented a remarkable achievement. Just 18 months earlier, the Portuguese tactician had been dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. Now, he had guided Al-Ittihad to their first league championship, undoubtedly a source of pride and vindication for Santo.
Al-Hilal, the defending champions from the previous season, finished in a respectable third position in the league standings. They concluded their campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Al-Raed, capping off their season on a positive note.
Looking ahead, the Saudi Arabian league is set to expand from 16 to 18 teams in the upcoming season. This development opens up new opportunities for clubs and players alike, promising a more competitive and dynamic football landscape in the country. With the league growing in size, football enthusiasts can anticipate an increase in the intensity and excitement of the matches, as more teams vie for glory and strive to etch their names in Saudi Arabian football history.
To recap, Cristiano Ronaldo’s inaugural season in Saudi Arabia came to an end, with Al-Nassr securing second place in the league standings. The absence of Ronaldo allowed Anderson Talisca to shine, scoring twice and assisting in another goal. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad claimed their first league title since 2009, led by coach Nuno Santo. Abderazzak Hamdallah secured the golden boot with his exceptional goal-scoring prowess, while Al-Hilal finished in third place. With the league expanding to 18 teams next season, the future promises an even more captivating and competitive Saudi Arabian football landscape.
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