Cristiano Ronaldo made a triumphant return to Al-Nassr, scoring from the penalty spot as new manager Stefano Pioli celebrated his first victory with a commanding 3-0 win over Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
Pioli, who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022, was appointed on Wednesday to replace Luis Castro after Al-Nassr’s slow start to the season with just one win in their first three league games.
Ronaldo, who missed Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite draw with Iraq’s Al-Shorta earlier this week due to a viral infection, opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. The Portuguese star confidently converted a penalty, marking his third goal of the season.
In the second half, Salem Al Najdi doubled the lead with a precise finish from a tight angle in the 56th minute. Brazilian midfielder Anderson Talisca sealed the victory in the closing stages, firing a low drive into the net to make it 3-0.
The victory propelled Al-Nassr to fourth place in the standings, reigniting their campaign in the Saudi Pro League. For Al-Ettifaq, coached by Steven Gerrard, the defeat marked their first loss of the season, leaving them in third place.
This decisive win marks the beginning of a new chapter for Al-Nassr under Pioli’s leadership, as the team looks to build momentum and challenge for the league title.
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Ronaldo converts penalty as Pioli takes first win with Al-Nassr
cgtn.com
