Cristiano Ronaldo notched his first goal in the AFC Champions League against Istiqlol Dushanbe at the Al-Awwal Park on Monday evening.
Ronaldo had failed to score in his initial outing in Asia’s equivalent of the UEFA Champions League when Al-Nassr narrowly defeated Iranian club Persepolis 2-0 in their group opener.
Source: Twitter
However, in his second appearance in the competition, the 38-year-old finally found the back of the net using his weaker foot.
Ronaldo scores in AFC Champions League
As he raced towards goal, Rustam Yatilimov attempted to close down the angle to thwart Ronaldo’s shot.
Nevertheless, the veteran forward outwitted the goalkeeper, expertly chipping the ball into the net from an incredibly tight angle, Sporting News reports.
Cristiano Ronaldo extends historic feat as Al Nassr continues winning streak
Football
Here is the video:
Fans reaction to Ronaldo's Goal 🥶pic.twitter.com/m7weN9v20J
— fan (@NoodleHairCR7) October 2, 2023
He now has 12 goal contributions, 8 goals and 4 assists in his last eight matches for Al Nassr.
Ronaldo ‘destroys’ defender with filthy skill
In the same match, the experienced forward skillfully outfoxed an Istiqlol Dushanbe defender with a superb nutmeg in Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League group game.
After a momentary loss of control by the Portuguese superstar, he showcased his prowess by deftly sliding the ball through the approaching Istiqlol defender’s legs with an exquisite nutmeg.
Ronaldo’s extraordinary move left the spectators in awe, prompting cheers for the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient.
Ronaldo inspires comeback win vs Istiqlol
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Cristiano Ronaldo led Al-Nassr to a stunning comeback victory against Istiqlol Dushanbe in their second AFC Champions League group match on October 2.
Ronaldo, who had been in outstanding form since the start of the season, scored his first goal in Asia’s premier club competition. Anderson Talisca then sealed the comeback with a brace at the Al-Awwal Park.
The 3-1 victory cemented Al-Nassr’s position at the summit of Group E with six points, giving them a three-point advantage over second-placed Persepolis.
