Breaking Boundaries: Ronaldo’s 146 Header Goals Propel Al-Nassr to Arab Champions Cup Quarterfinals
Saudi Arabia: Cristiano Ronaldo’s late goal helped Al-Nassr secure a 1-1 draw against Zamalek, advancing to the knockout stage of the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
Until the 87th minute, Al-Nassr faced the possibility of elimination in the group stage. It was then that defender Ghislain Konan made a breakthrough down the left and crossed the ball for Ronaldo, who headed it into the net from close range. The 1-1 scoreline was enough to see Al-Nassr through to the knockout stage, but the Portuguese superstar was eager to grab another goal. Although he couldn’t achieve that, Ronaldo and his teammates secured a spot in the quarterfinals as the runners-up of Group C.
The Arab Club Champions Cup is an annual competition for Arab clubs in the Middle East and North Africa. Al-Nassr received a direct invitation from the Arab Football Association this year, skipping the qualification round. The tournament took place from July 27 to August 12, featuring 16 teams divided into four groups with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
After three matches, Al-Nassr secured one win and two draws, totaling five points and finishing second in Group C behind Al-Shabab. Zamalek, representing Egypt, finished third with four points and was eliminated. Out of the eight quarterfinalists, four are Saudi Arabian clubs – Al-Nassr, Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad. Ronaldo and his teammates will face Morocco’s Raja Club in the quarterfinals on August 6.
While Ronaldo failed to score in the first match against Al-Shabab, he contributed to the 4-1 victory over Union Monastirienne from Tunisia in the second match. Al-Nassr was unexpectedly trailing against Zamalek in the final match, but Ronaldo’s goal saved the day. At the end of the game, the crowd at King Fahd Stadium celebrated Al-Nassr’s achievement with flares.
With two goals in the tournament, Ronaldo currently ranks second in the Golden Boot race. The top scorer is Karim Benzema, who scored three goals in three matches for Al-Ittihad. All three of Benzema’s goals were decisive, leading Al-Ittihad to a perfect group stage. They will face Al-Hilal in the quarterfinals on August 5.
Ronaldo also increased his career tally to 840 goals, a world record. In the upcoming match, he may have the opportunity to play alongside new signing Sadio Mane, bolstering Al-Nassr’s attacking prowess. Under the guidance of coach Luis Castro, Al-Nassr aims to claim their first title since 2020.
