Cristiano Ronaldo's insatiable appetite for success continues, as the 38-year-old was left shocked that he was not awarded Man of the Match in the Arab Club Champions Cup final, despite scoring a game-winning brace.
Cristiano Ronaldo helped guide Al Nassr to a first ever Arab Club Champions Cup victory, as the Saudi side ran out as 2-1 winners over rivals Al Hilal after extra time.
Ronaldo scored both of Al Nassr's goals, one to level the game in 16 minutes from time, and another in extra time to seal the victory despite the side playing with ten men after defender Abdulelah Al-Amri got his marching orders in the 71st minute.
Advert
The ex-Manchester United man celebrated both of his goals with the same passion and vigour that could be seen in his Champions League days, highlighting the sheer dedication of the forward.
Following this outstanding performance though, he was shocked to find out that Al Hilal midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic received the MOTM award for the final, with Ronaldo seen pointing a two up to one of the event organisers in disbelief.
Ronaldo did still walk away with the top scorer award as well as the trophy itself, as he got the last laugh but his frustration on not winning all three awards shows his hunger and desire for success, even in the twilight of his career.
The Portuguese star was in fine form during the final, being in the right place at the right time for both of his goals.
Al Hilal scored first through midfielder Michael, but Al Nassr replied just over 20 minutes later as Ronaldo was in the six-yard box to tap home a low cross.
In extra time, the 5-time Champions League winner was there again, this time to follow up on a long-range shot that cannoned off the crossbar with the Al Hilal goalkeeper in no man's land, as the ball fell to Ronaldo who headed home.
Ronaldo had to be taken off the pitch in the 115th minute though as he sustained an injury, Al Nassr fans would hope it's not too serious though as their talisman was seen jumping around with teammates during the trophy celebrations.
Al Nassr kick off their 2023/24 Saudi pro League campaign on Monday night against Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia
Joshua Nair