Al Nassr Edges Al Wehda: Ronaldo's Apology and Victory
Cristiano Ronaldo once again steered Al Nassr to victory, securing a crucial 2-0 win against Al Wehda in the Saudi Pro League. Despite a delayed start due to traffic, Ronaldo’s performance, including a goal and a penalty assist, propelled his team to a much-needed win. This victory, however, wasn’t without its drama, as Ronaldo issued a public apology for the team's late arrival.
Ronaldo's Apology and Match Recap
Al Nassr's journey to the King Abdul Aziz Stadium was fraught with delays, arriving nine minutes past the scheduled kick-off time, causing a one-hour postponement. A contrite Ronaldo took responsibility, apologizing on behalf of the team for the inconvenience. He stated, "I want to apologize on behalf of Al-Nassr for starting the game late. This should not happen again. Sorry." Despite the bumpy start, Ronaldo's impact was undeniable. He scored a vital goal in the second half and won a penalty, which Sadio Mané converted, securing the 2-0 win.
Ronaldo's Post-Match Comments and Team Focus
Following the match, Ronaldo praised his teammates' resilience, emphasizing the importance of bouncing back from their recent loss to Al-Ettifaq. He stressed the need for continued victories to keep their title hopes alive. “The comeback should be like that. This is Al Nassr; we have to react…We have to continue to win and let’s see what’s going to happen,” he said. With the win, Al Nassr remains in the title hunt, though they still trail league leaders Al Ittihad by eight points (with a game in hand) and Al Hilal by four points. Ronaldo's focus extends beyond the SPL; he also highlighted the upcoming AFC Champions League clash against Esteghlal Tehran.
Al Nassr's League Position and Upcoming Fixtures
Al Nassr's victory moves them closer to the top of the Saudi Pro League table, currently sitting in third position. Ronaldo leads the SPL scoring charts with 17 goals, one ahead of Karim Benzema. The team faces a crucial period, with upcoming matches against Al-Orobah and the crucial AFC Champions League tie against Esteghlal Tehran. This win against Al Wehda, despite the early hiccups, serves as a crucial momentum builder for Al Nassr’s continued quest for silverware.
Al-Wehda's Struggles
For Al Wehda, the defeat marks their sixth loss in seven league games, leaving them firmly entrenched in the relegation battle. Their defensive frailties, evident in their 51 goals conceded this season, continue to be a major concern. Overcoming their defensive woes will be vital if they are to avoid relegation.