Cristiano Ronaldo has shared a heartfelt message with fans following Al Nassr’s hard-fought 3–2 victory over Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, a result that brought relief and renewed confidence to the Riyadh-based club after a difficult run of form.
The Knights of Najd returned to winning ways on Saturday night in front of their home supporters, ending a three-match losing streak that had raised concerns among fans and pundits alike. The victory was narrow, intense, and full of drama, but it proved enough to restore momentum as the league season continues to heat up.
Ronaldo, who featured for the entire 90 minutes, played a more complete role compared to the previous fixture, where he was substituted during Al Nassr’s defeat to rivals Al Hilal. His full participation underlined the importance of the match, with the team eager to bounce back and reassert itself among the league’s top contenders.
Following the final whistle, the Portuguese superstar took to social media to express his satisfaction with the performance and appreciation for the supporters who stood by the team during its challenging period.
“Proud of this team. We did what we needed to do. Thank you to the fans for supporting us all the way,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
His message reflected the collective relief within the squad after securing three vital points that kept Al Nassr firmly in the title conversation.
Coming into the match, Ronaldo had been in impressive personal form. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had scored in each of his previous five appearances for the club, continuing to demonstrate his enduring goal-scoring instinct even at the age of 40. However, his individual brilliance had not been enough to prevent the team from enduring a difficult spell.
Before the win over Al Shabab, Al Nassr had gone four games without victory. That run included a draw against Al Ettifaq and defeats to Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah, and Al Hilal. The sequence of results saw the club slip in the standings and increased pressure on both players and coaching staff.
Saturday’s encounter therefore carried significant importance, not only for points but also for morale.
Despite playing the full match, Ronaldo’s influence on the game was relatively limited by his high standards. Statistics showed that he recorded just 38 touches of the ball, the lowest among all players who completed the full 90 minutes. Al Shabab’s defensive approach focused heavily on restricting his space, forcing Al Nassr to rely more on collective movement and midfield transitions.
Ronaldo attempted three shots during the match and missed one notable opportunity that could have extended the lead earlier in the contest. Nevertheless, his presence continued to draw defenders and create openings for teammates, contributing indirectly to the team’s attacking rhythm.
With 15 league goals already this season, Ronaldo remains one of the Saudi Pro League’s leading scorers and a central figure in Al Nassr’s title ambitions. His experience and leadership continue to play a key role, particularly in high-pressure matches where composure is essential.
The win also had significant implications for the league table. Al Nassr’s victory moved them back into second place, level on points with Al Ahli but ahead on goal difference. The result reignited belief among supporters that the club can still mount a strong challenge in the latter stages of the campaign.
While celebrations filled the Al Nassr camp, the mood was markedly different on the Al Shabab side. Shortly after the match, the club released an official statement expressing dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions during the encounter. Al Shabab officials questioned several calls made by the match officials, suggesting that critical moments influenced the outcome of the game.
The statement has added another layer of controversy to an already dramatic fixture, with debates continuing across Saudi football circles regarding officiating standards and consistency.
For Al Nassr, however, the focus remains firmly on progress rather than controversy. The victory not only halted their losing run but also restored confidence ahead of a demanding schedule that will test the squad’s depth and resilience.
Ronaldo’s message to fans symbolized unity at a crucial moment. Throughout his time in Saudi Arabia, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star has consistently emphasized the importance of collective spirit over individual accolades.
As the season progresses, Al Nassr will hope that this victory marks a turning point rather than a temporary lift. With key fixtures approaching and the title race tightening, maintaining consistency will be vital.
The performance against Al Shabab may not have been flawless, but it demonstrated character, determination, and the ability to respond under pressure. For a club with championship ambitions, those qualities can be just as important as technical brilliance.
For Ronaldo, the night was another chapter in a remarkable career that continues to defy age and expectation. While his influence was quieter on the pitch, his leadership and mentality remained evident, both during the match and in his message afterward.
As fans left the stadium in Riyadh, there was renewed optimism that Al Nassr’s season is far from over. With Ronaldo leading the charge and confidence slowly returning, the Knights of Najd will look to build on this momentum and push forward with belief.
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