Christiano Ronaldo continues his urge to end Al Nassr‘s title drought while also preparing for the 2026 World Cup. After a crucial win on Monday to stay in the Saudi Pro League title race, the Portuguese star delivered an eight-word message after the result.
On matchday 18, Al Nassr host of Al Taawoun, and with Al Hilal dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Al Riyadh on Sundaya win was essential. Al Nassr dominated the match with a 20-3 advantage in shots, but struggled to convert their chances.
Ronaldo was involved in several key momentsincluding an assist from Mohamed Simakan that was disallowed for offside, as well as one goal and one penalty which were also overturned for offside. Ultimately, a cross from Sadio Mane, who returned to the line-up after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, was deflected by Al Taawoun defender Mohammed Al-Dossari for an own goal that secured the 1-0 win.
The three points were crucial for Al Nassr to stay in the title race and prevent the gap at the top from widening. After the match, Ronaldo took to social media to deliver a short but powerful message to fans and teammates alike: “Step by step. Complete focus on our goal!“
Head coach Jorge Jesus spoke about the team’s form after the win and highlighted Mane’s return as the winger was named Man of the Match. “The team has improved following the return of Mane and Simakan from injuryalthough the latter showed signs of physical fatigue in the last match. The players were ready today and we have been strong defensively, especially in the last ten games.the Portuguese boss said at the post-match press conference.
see also
Cristiano Ronaldo faces a potential squad blow as the Al Nassr player reportedly agrees to move to SPL title rivals
Al Nassr recorded their first clean sheet in seven gameswith the previous one coming on matchday 11 against Al Okhdood. Ronaldo’s side are now second on 40 points, five behind leaders Al Hilal, and will be back in action on Friday, January 30, when they visit 13th-placed Al Kholood in another must-win match.
Ronaldo was tied in the SPL Golden Boot race
Despite scoring seven shots, hitting the crossbar with a powerful volley and seeing a goal disallowed for offside, Ronaldo was unable to score against Al Taawoun. In his 17 appearances in the Saudi Pro League this season it was only the fourth match in which he could not find the netleaving him one goal away from his 961st career strike and tightening the Golden Boot race.
Ronaldo is now level on the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with Julián Quiñones. The Mexico international scored a hat-trick for Al Qadsiah against Neom SC to reach 16 goals, matching Ronaldo’s total, while Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney is close behind with 15. With the competition heating up, Ronaldo is fighting on two fronts as he looks to claim the league title and defend the Golden Boot he has claimed for the past two seasons.
#Cristiano #Ronaldo #sends #eightword #message #Nassr #important #victory #SPL #title #race