Cristiano Ronaldo got here underneath heavy criticism after seemingly making an offensive gesture following Al Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League match.
| Photo Credit: AP
Cristiano Ronaldo returned from suspension and couldn’t stop Al-Nassr from dropping to Al-Ain 1-0 within the first leg of their Asian Champions League quarterfinal on March 4.
A first half aim from Moroccan ahead Soufiane Rahimi was sufficient for one-time champion Al-Ain to have the benefit within the return leg in Riyadh subsequent Monday.
Ronaldo was contemporary after lacking a Saudi Pro League match on Thursday as punishment for making an alleged offensive gesture in the course of the earlier recreation towards Al-Shabab.
Video appeared to point out Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand ahead close to his pelvis in a gesture that appeared to be aimed toward Al-Shabab followers who have been chanting the title of Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s longstanding soccer rival.
Al-Ain’s followers did the identical however have been virtually silenced within the sixth minute when Ronaldo went shut with an overhead kick. In the ultimate moments, he tried a lob from the midway line that was simply broad of the submit. Another shot from shut vary was saved by Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa.
It may have been worse for Al-Nassr as Al-Ain, coached by former Argentine striker Hernan Crespo, had two targets disallowed for offside.
The recreation ended with Al-Nassr down a person after Aymeric Laporte was despatched off in stoppage time for violent conduct. The former Manchester City defender will miss the second leg.
“We are only halfway through, and while going to the next round is going to be difficult, we still have 90 minutes at home,” Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro stated.
The winner of the tie is assured a semifinal towards Saudi opposition. Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal meet on Tuesday within the second quarterfinal within the western zone — the event is split into two geographic halves till the ultimate.
