Two nights ago, Cristiano Ronaldo & Co made history by helping Al Nassr lift the Arab Club Champions Cup for the first time. The former Real Madrid winger went back in time as he delivered a typical CR7 clutch performance. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored two goals at the fag end of the match to propel Al Nassr to their first trophy of the season.

While Ronaldo’s heroics helped Al Nassr, it came at a cost. After scoring the winner in the extra time, the Al Nassr talisman, unfortunately, had to get stretchered off. To make things worse, this led to Cr7 missing Al Nassr’s league opener, which they eventually lost.

Sadio Mane blames bad luck for the loss against Al-Ettifaq amidst the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo

Earlier today, Sadio Mane made his full-game debut for Al Nassr. He started off brightly for the Saudi club with a composed finish in the fourth minute of the match. Things went well for the club in the first half. In the second half, however, Steven Gerrard’s troops displayed immense enthusiasm and vigor as they scored two early goals in the second half to kill the game.

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Sadio Mane, despite his fine performance, was obviously upset about losing. Hence, in the post-match presser, the former Liverpool player expressed regret for not using the opportunities they had. He opined that they were unlucky. “We had many opportunities that we did not take advantage of; and we were not lucky in front of the agreement. We will move forward to prepare for the match,” said Mane. 

Unfortunately, Al Nassr might have finished better had Cristiano Ronaldo been present. Cr7 is probably lamenting his injury considering he hurt himself for a ‘friendly tournament’.

Saudi Arabia’s sports minister calls Arab Club Champions Cup a friendly tournament

Moments after Al Nassr lifted the Arab Club Champions Cup, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister was happy about the final being an all-Saudi affair. In response, the diplomat first expressed gratitude to God for this occurrence. He then thanked all the clubs involved for playing at their best, despite it being a friendly tournament.

“Despite it being considered a friendly tournament, there was serious competition in this championship,” said the diplomat.  He then wished everyone luck and success. “I wish success to all the Arab clubs and national teams, God willing, from His Highness and from myself.” Interestingly, these comments came right after Cristiano shared his excitement on Instagram for winning an ‘important trophy’.

Is the Arab Club Champions Cup a prestigious trophy in your books? Or is it just a glorified friendly? Let us know your thoughts below!

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