Cristiano Ronaldo has posted an emphatic message asking Al-Nassr fans to ‘always believe until the end’ after a ‘difficult’ victory against Shabab Al-Ahli.
Najd Knights regained their composure at just the right time to overturn a 2-1 deficit and win 4-2 in the AFC Champions League play-off. Sultan Al-Ghannam led the final charge with an 88th-minute equalizer, before Anderson Talisca and Marcelo Brozovic scored in injury time to propel Al-Nassr into the AFC Champions League main draw at the costs of Shabab Al-Ahli.
Brozovic was served by Ronaldo, and the Portuguese striker expressed his enthusiasm after pulling off a memorable win.
After securing his ticket to Asia’s biggest club tournament, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “Difficult match, but important victory to qualify for the Asian Champions League! Always believe in the end! Never give up!💪🏼 @alnassr 💛💙”
It could have been a frustrating evening for Ronaldo, who saw three penalties disallowed in the first half alone. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has improved significantly after his lackluster display against Al-Taawoun the week before, as he appears to have completely overcome his ankle injury picked up in the Arab Champions Cup final.
Ronaldo will be back in action against Al-Fateh on Friday night in the Saudi Pro League.
