Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr’s week has turned into an authentic sporting nightmare, culminating in a gesture of enormous frustration on the part of the Portuguese star. Shortly after the final whistle that dictated the defeat in the final of the Asian Champions League 2 to the Japanese side of Gamba Osaka, Cristiano Ronaldo could not hide his disappointment and immediately retired to the dressing room. With this untimely reaction, the captain of the Saudi base refused to attend the official award ceremony, giving up receiving the second place medal.
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Al Nassr players led by Jorge Jesus on their way to receive the Loser’s medal. pic.twitter.com/FQRn Oj H1pb
Ronaldo’s outburst perfectly illustrates a night of collective disaster for Al-Nassr, who were far from their usual level in the decisive game. Faced with an extremely organized Gamba Osaka, the Riyadh team was unable to assume favoritism and the Portuguese striker himself ended up passing by, proving powerless to make a difference on one of the grayest nights of the season. With the continental title slipping through his fingers, the number 7 added yet another disappointment.
This loss of Asian Champions 2 — the second most important continental competition — comes at the worst possible time, adding to a dramatic sequence for the Riyadh club. It is worth remembering that, last Tuesday, Al-Nassr had already suffered a severe blow when they conceded a goal in the last minute that prevented the early celebration of the domestic championship. Now, with the contestation rising in tone and the specter of a blank season looming, there is only one last card left for Cristiano Ronaldo: the last round of the Saudi League. The team will face Damac next week and must win to save the honor, lift the national champion trophy and try to erase the controversial image left by the Portuguese star on the Asian podium.
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