In the Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Taawoun on December 30, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr faced consequences for their delayed entrance onto the pitch for the second half. Despite holding a 2-1 lead at halftime, the team was fined 19,000 riyals (~$5,066) by the Disciplinary Committee for their perceived tardiness in resuming play.
The first half saw Al-Nassr trailing 1-0, but they rallied back with goals from Marcelo Brozovic and Aymeric Laporte, putting them ahead at halftime. However, their apparent prolonged stay in the dressing room during the break led to disciplinary action.
Undeterred by the setback, Al-Nassr delivered an impressive performance in the second half, scoring two additional goals without conceding. Strikes from Otavia in the 50th minute and a late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 90+2′ sealed a convincing 4-1 victory for Al-Nassr. Ronaldo’s goal marked his 54th of the year, encompassing both club and country, making him the leading goal scorer globally for the year 2023.
The win not only showcased the team’s resilience but also propelled them within seven points of the league leaders, Al-Hilal, in the overall standings. Al-Hilal currently holds 53 points from 19 league games. The victory highlighted Al-Nassr’s determination to climb the league table, even in the face of disciplinary challenges, and Ronaldo’s contribution remained pivotal in securing their success on the pitch. As the season progresses, Al-Nassr aims to maintain their momentum and close the gap further in pursuit of the league title.
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