Coach Luis Castro candidly revealed that Al Nassr’s standout player wasn’t Ronaldo, as commonly assumed. Instead, he highlighted the struggles of four players whose performances fell below expectations.
The Bottom Four:
Laporte, Sulaiheem, Al Najei, and Ahmed emerged as the four underperforming players. Notably, Laporte, a recent acquisition from Manchester City, seemed lackluster throughout the match.
The Top Performers:
On the other hand, Al Nassr’s top players displayed exceptional skills and teamwork. Cristiano Ronaldo led the charge with three goals and one assist, while Sadio Mane contributed with two goals. Al-Ghareeb’s impressive assists for Ronaldo and Mane showcased his playmaking ability.
A Revelation in Otavio:
Coach Castro emphasized the solid midfield presence of new signing Otavio. The Brazilian midfielder showcased exceptional ball distribution and control, significantly impacting the team’s overall performance.
Ronaldo’s Brilliance:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliance illuminated Al Nassr’s victory against Al Fateh. The Portuguese forward not only scored but also delivered a remarkable backheel assist that left fans amazed. The assist, originating from Marcelo Brozovic’s precise pass, set up Mane for a goal, marking a rare feat in Ronaldo’s illustrious career.
An Unprecedented Hat-Trick:
Ronaldo’s performance culminated in a remarkable hat-trick, with a goal that showcased his aerial prowess. He became the first player to score in 22 consecutive seasons in a national championship, an achievement accomplished with five different clubs. This remarkable feat elevated his career goal tally to an impressive 847, including 148 headers.
Player Ratings:
The standout performances translated into high player ratings:
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Ronaldo earned a perfect 10 for his stellar contributions, including his hat-trick and the extraordinary assist.
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Mane’s brace secured him a commendable 8.6 rating.
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Al-Ghareeb’s crucial assists garnered him an 8.5 rating.
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Otavio’s impressive debut earned him an 8.2.
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Brozovic’s dynamic display resulted in a solid 7.9 rating.
The overall team performance was reflected in the ratings of other players as well, with names like Al Ghannam, Al Fatil, and Boushal earning respectable scores.
Goalkeeper Al Aqidi’s rating of 7.1 highlighted the minimal threats from Al Fateh throughout the game.
In contrast, the struggles of players like Laporte, Sulaiheem, Al Najei, and Ahmed were evident as they received lower ratings.
The match showcased the power of teamwork, individual brilliance, and the impact of new signings. While Ronaldo’s hat-trick stole the spotlight, the well-rounded performances of other players, like Otavio, contributed to Al Nassr’s impressive victory. As the season progresses, the competition between Ronaldo and rival Lionel Messi continues to captivate fans’ attention.
