"Messi is so much better", "Out Penaldo now" - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo draws a blank in Al-Nassr's win over Al-Khaleej

Although Al-Nassr managed a 1-0 win against Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, April 27, fans were unimpressed by Cristiano Ronaldo's performance in the match.

Center-back Aymeric Laporte scored the only goal of the match in the 68th minute.

Ronaldo returned to action after missing the last fixture against Al-Fayha on April 19 due to suspension. The Portuguese was shown a straight red for elbowing defender Ali Al-Bulaihi in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup against Al-Hilal on April 9.

Ronaldo initially received a two-match ban but was able to play on Saturday after Al-Nassr won an appeal to reduce his suspension to just one game, according to journalist Aymen Al Tamimi.

Several fans, however, were disappointed with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's performance in the match. Here is a collection of their posts on X (formerly Twitter):

"Ronaldo whenever he plays after a long break," a fan said.

"Ronaldo is finished," another chimed in.

One fan wrote:

"He’s finished Messi is so much better."

Another added:

"The fact that Ronaldo haven't scored a single open play goal since talisca is injured is crazy."

"out penaldo now," said another.

One user said:

"Ronaldo rusty after a long break for him but he’ll be back stronger next game."

"He is just being Ronaldo a ghost as usual when he doesn’t score," added another.

One account wrote:

"Ronaldo ghosted."

While another said:

"Al alewa needs to play more he gvs us pace Cr7 shudh hv scored so many goals today."

Al-Nassr are second in the Saudi Pro League with 71 points from 29 matches, nine points behind Al-Hilal who also have a game in hand.

Cristiano Ronaldo's stats at Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 and has already scored 56 goals for the club. This season, he has netted 36 times across all competitions while providing 12 assists.

The 39-year-old netted his 65th career hat-trick in Al-Nassr's clash against Abha Club in the Saudi Pro League on April 2, just three days after he scored another hat-trick against Al-Tai.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have five more matches to play in the Saudi Pro League this season, with the next one being against Al-Wehda on May 4. The Knights of Najd also have the semi-final of the King Cup of Champions against Al-Khaleej to look forward to on May 1.

About the author

Rwittika is a European football news journalist at Sportskeeda, with a total news writing experience of around 3 years, and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. As an experienced writer, she focuses on reporting accurate, relevant, and ethical content by conducting thorough research, using only credible sources and cross-checking even the most minute pieces of information.

Watching football with her father is one of Rwittika’s fondest childhood memories, and his passion for the sport rubbed off on her as well. She is a true Real Madrid fan who has been thrilled by their last-minute comebacks and inspired by their desire to be the best over the years. Her favorite player and coach are the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho. Their rise from humble beginnings to global fame via sheer hard work is something that she admires a lot. Alongside European football, she also tries to stay updated with the Indian Super League.

Rwittika would like authorities to record VAR decisions and make them accessible to the viewers, if given a chance to change a football rule. When not writing, she likes to read, watch movies and series, doodle and paint.

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Edited by Nihal