Cristiano Ronaldo has, over the years, cemented his reputation as a player who delivers in ‘big matches.’ However, in what can arguably be called the biggest match in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo failed to live up to his reputation. His team, Al Nassr got out-muscled by arch-rivals Al Hilal 3-0, in the recent Riyadh derby. Though CR7 maintained silence on social media after the defeat, he had quite a few words for his teammates during a training camp.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo has not spoken about Al Nassr’s loss, one would end up thinking that Al Hilal’s might have silenced the 5x- Ballon d’Or winner. However, Ronaldo’s words to his teammates suggest that the star is far from intimidated. Rather, the defeat seems to have motivated him.
Cristiano Ronaldo calls for Al Nassr teammates to fight for all trophies
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During an Al Nassr training session, skipper, Cristiano Ronaldo, just did what is expected of a leader like him. The 38-year-old instilled in his teammates the confidence to fight back after the devastating loss. “The last loss is only three points, which will strengthen us and support us to compete for the league championship stronger, and will make us work harder to achieve all the championships this season,” said Ronaldo.
خبر :
أبلغ الأسطورة كريستيانو رونالدو لاعبين نادي النصر السعودي بعد نهاية تمرين الأمس "بأن الخسارة الماضية ماهي إلا عبارة عن ثلاث نقاط" ستُقوينا وستدعمنا إلى المُنافسة على بطولة الدوري بشكل أقوى وستجعلنا نعمل أكثر لتحقيق "جميع بطولات هذا الموسم" pic.twitter.com/CE2OYTtD66
— علي الحربي (@alharbi_44) December 4, 2023
These words of motivation came from the 2016 UEFA Euro Winner at the right time, as Al Nassr prepares for AFC Champions League matchup against Istiklol Dushanbe on December 05.
While winning every title in a season is no walk in the park, the Cristiano Ronaldos of the world could not aspire for less. Now, let’s have a look at Al Nassr’s prospects to win it all.
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Al Nassr contending for major trophies this season
Al Nassr started the 2023-24 season in style, as Cristiano Ronaldo and co. won their first-ever Arab Club Champions Cup. Meanwhile, in the Saudi League, Ronaldo’s side has won 11 matches out of 15. Therefore, Al Nassr is still a tough contender for the title race, as the season goes on till June 2024. Besides, Al Nassr tops the table in their AFC Champions League group, cementing a place in the competition’s knockout stage.
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Having ousted Al Ettifaq in the King Cup’s round of 16, Al Nassr now awaits a quarter-final clash against Riyadh-based Al Shabab. In January 2024, Al Nassr will play Al Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals, with a grand chance for payback. Therefore, Ronaldo’s aspiration to win it all doesn’t come as a surprise. For, Al Nassr is at the forefront of title races in all the championships they are featuring this season.