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Cristiano Ronaldo Shines Again with a Brace as Al-Nassr Cruises Past Al-Wasl in AFC Champions League
In a thrilling display of skill and leadership, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased why he's still one of the best in the world, scoring twice as Al-Nassr triumphed over Al-Wasl 4-0 in their AFC Champions League Elite match. The victory not only secured Al-Nassr's progression to the tournament's knockout stages but also highlighted Ronaldo’s ever-growing influence on the team, especially as he adapts to a new role in the squad.
Ronaldo opened the scoring just before halftime with a calm penalty that sent the Al Wasl goalkeeper the wrong way. But it was his second goal that really caught the eye. A powerful header from a cross delivered by Sadio Mane in the 78th minute demonstrated his timeless aerial prowess. This goal also gave Ronaldo the chance to debut a new celebration, a break from his iconic ‘Siuu’ move. Instead, he raised his hand high and dramatically shot it down to the ground, a celebration that could become a trademark of this season.
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Although it was Ronaldo who stole the show with his brace, the match also marked the debut of Jhon Durán, the highly anticipated new signing from Aston Villa. The 21-year-old Colombian forward, brought in for a reported £75 million, played the full match alongside Ronaldo. Despite a promising start, Durán couldn’t make the same impact as his teammate, struggling to find his rhythm in his first outing for the club. He had a few moments but was largely kept quiet by the Al Wasl defense.
Al-Nassr dominated the match, with Ronaldo’s first-half penalty setting the tone for what was a one-sided affair. In the second half, as the match wound down, Al-Nassr continued to press. New signing Al Fatil rounded off the scoring in the final moments with a header from a corner, capping off a comprehensive 4-0 win.
Ronaldo’s brace now brings his tally to an impressive 23 goals in just 25 appearances across all competitions this season, a remarkable feat for a player who will turn 40 later this week. His leadership on the field, combined with his goal-scoring ability, continues to inspire his teammates and could prove vital in their push for silverware this season.
The match also highlighted the evolving dynamics within Al-Nassr’s attack. With Durán now alongside Ronaldo, the two could form a potent partnership that will challenge defenses throughout the remainder of the season. Al-Nassr will now look ahead to their next AFC Champions League match against Persepolis on February 17, as they aim to build on this commanding victory.
As for the domestic competition, while Al-Nassr are currently eight points behind leaders Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, their victory in the Champions League and Ronaldo’s consistent form suggest that they will remain in the title race for the foreseeable future.
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