Ronaldo’s First Game After the Revolt — A Brilliant Comeback
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action for Al Nassr after missing three matches amid tensions surrounding Karim Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al Hilal and broader disputes over club policies and delayed payments to some staff.
On the pitch, however, the team did not drop points during his absence — though the image side of things was another story.
Now the disagreements appear settled. Ronaldo wore the captain’s armband again and started against Al Fateh. The opponent arrived on a six-game winless run in the Saudi Pro League and lacked global stars — on paper it looked like a comfortable night for the Portuguese legend.
It wasn’t. Which made his goal even more valuable.
Misses Before the Moment
Ronaldo nearly scored inside the opening minute, volleying wide after a lofted pass from Kingsley Coman. Soon after, Coman himself wasted an even clearer chance, firing over from point-blank range following Sadio Mané’s low cross.
Mané also missed the near corner after breaking through.
But inevitability arrived in the 18th minute.
Mané drove the ball into the middle of the box, Al Fateh defenders lost track of Ronaldo — and he calmly finished.
Career goal No. 962.
The road to 1000 continues.
Ronaldo didn’t switch off after scoring either, helping defensively with clearances from his own box — motivation clearly intact.
Chances, Drama and a Cancelled Goal
Iñigo Martínez went close with a header, João Félix nearly assisted Ronaldo into an empty net, and Al Fateh responded with a stunning Vargas free-kick that hit the crossbar. Goalkeeper Bento then saved brilliantly from Fernandes at close range.
Early in the second half Al Nassr thought they doubled the lead: after Brozović’s corner hit the post via Félix, Mohamed Simakan finished the rebound. VAR intervened — a marginal offside ruled it out after a long review.
The Decisive Strike
In the 78th minute the intrigue ended. Substitute Yahya controlled Coman’s pass with his left foot and smashed a volley under the bar — a spectacular finish.
2-0. Game over.
Captain’s Performance
Ronaldo finished the match with:
- 4 shots
- 2 on target
- Defensive work rate throughout
- Constant involvement in build-up play
He left the pitch to applause minutes before full-time — as if the “revolt” had never happened.
Al Nassr climbed to second place, now just one point behind Al Hilal led by Benzema and Malcom. With Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah also close, the Saudi title race is shaping into a serious battle.
The comeback is complete — and the chase for 1000 goals continues.
Published by Patrick Jane
15.02.2026