LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram with a resounding message, urging Al-Nassr supporters to “maintain belief until the end,” following a hard-fought victory over Shabab Al-Ahli.
Al-Nassr found themselves trailing until the 88th minute. They netted three goals in a mere 11-minute span for a comeback victory. Ronaldo was ecstatic over the thrilling win.
The Knights of Najd managed to rally just in time, overturning a 2-1 deficit to triumph 4-2 in the AFC Champions League play-off clash.
Sultan Al-Ghannam led the charge with an 88th-minute equalizer, followed by Anderson Talisca and Marcelo Brozovic, who scored deep into injury time, propelling Al-Nassr into the main draw of the AFC Champions League at Shabab Al-Ahli’s expense.
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Ronaldo assisted in setting up Brozovic’s goal, and he expressed his exhilaration after securing a remarkable victory following a challenging contest.
Ronaldo’s Instagram post after securing a spot in Asia’s premier club tournament read: “It was a tough game, but an important victory to secure a place in the Asian Champions League! Always believe until the end! Never give up! 💪🏼 @alnassr 💛💙”
The evening could have been a frustrating one for Ronaldo, as he witnessed three penalty appeals turned down in the first half alone.
Nonetheless, it marked a significant improvement for the five-time Ballon d’Or awardee compared to his lackluster performance the previous week against Al-Taawoun.
He seemed to have fully recovered from his ankle injury sustained during the Arab Club Champions Cup final.
Ronaldo is set to return to action in a Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fateh on Friday evening.