Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace went in vain as Al Nassr succumbed to a loss in its pre-season friendly match against La Liga 2 side UD Almeria on Sunday.
The Portuguese striker struck twice in the first half to help his side come back from an early goal, but was subbed off at half time after which the host managed to find a winner.
Almeria opened the scoring in the 6th minute after Sergio Arribas was played into a one-on-one situation by Leo Baptistao. The Spaniard made no mistake to slot the ball past Nawaf Al-Aqidi.
Despite not showing any potential in attack, Al Nassr equalised after some fluid one-touch football inside the penalty box. Ayman Yahya and Sadio Mane combined before setting up Ronaldo to fire home from near the penalty spot.
Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s second goal came via a penalty kick after keeper Alvaro Fernandez tripped the Portugal skipper in the box while trying to kick the ball away after a heavy touch. Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot to make it five goals in two games.
AS IT HAPPENED | ALM vs NAS pre-season friendly Highlights
Nawaf, too, had a moment to forget when he came out of the box to cut off a through ball, only to punt it to Adrian Embarb,a who lofted it into an empty net.
Embarba sealed the win in the second half after Ronaldo was substituted out, latching onto the lay-up from Arribas before slotting it into the top corner.
Joao Felix came close to finding a late equaliser, failing to get the final touch on a low cross across from the right to condemn the Saudi Pro League side to a loss.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com