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via Imago

via Imago

There were rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo could have been rested against Al Ittihad. After all, Al Nassr’s league position was already confirmed and they had an important lockout match-up next. But Luis Castro lined up with his captain up front and Ronaldo didn’t disappoint. The Portuguese scored a brace to etch his name in the Saudi history books. Following the monumental victory, it seems CR7 had an encounter with the doping committee!

As per footage on X, Cristiano Ronaldo looked to be leaving the field after a doping committee examination. Such exams are common practice after soccer matches. Yet, it remains to be seen if CR7 was the only chosen Al Nassr player. Previously, there were reports that 8 Al Nassr stars, including Ronaldo, were summoned for doping tests before the King Cup. It is not yet clear if the incidents are related.

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On a personal level, Cristiano Ronaldo had a historic night. His goal in the 48th minute saw him go level with Abderrazak Hamdallah for the most goals (34) in an SPL season. However, in the 69th minute, CR7 added another goal to his tally and broke Hamdallah’s record. With this, the Portuguese superstar has 35 goals in the league and 44 in total across the season. Moreover, his efforts contributed to Al Nassr scoring 100 goals for the first time in their history.

But Cristiano Ronaldo and co will have to keep the celebrations in check. Up next is a match against their kryptonite, Jorge Jesus’ Al Hilal. As it stands, the King Cup is Al Nassr’s final chance to secure a trophy this season.

The biggest test yet for Cristiano Ronaldo and team

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On May 31, Al Nassr is set to take on League winners Al Hilal for the King Cup. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side doesn’t have a very good record against Jorge Jesus’ side. The 2 teams have met each other 4 times before, including a friendly. Al Hilal ended up winning 3 of those encounters, while the remaining match ended up being a draw. Worryingly, CR7 did not score a single goal in those games!

Hence, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr have a lot to prove. Despite playing good soccer throughout the season, Al Nassr hasn’t been fortunate when it comes to trophies. Pressure is mounting on Luis Castro and a victory against Al Hilal would be the perfect end to a good season. But can Al Nassr conquer their final frontier? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.