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Cristiano Ronaldo (Source: X)
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo introduced a new celebration after scoring his maiden goal of 2024 to seal his side's victory over Al-Feiha in the AFC Champions League. The star forward scored the solitary goal of the match nine minutes before the final whistle of the Round 16 match on Wednesday (February 14). Notably, it was the legendary footballer's 1000th club game.
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Ronaldo and Co. dominated the game with 14 shots, 3 on target and 77% possession. But the scorecard remained unchanged till the 81st minute. The Portuguese superstar broke the deadlock at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium with a deft touch into the nets, taking help from Croatian footballer Marcelo Brozovic.
Al-Fayha, 14th in the Saudi Pro League, did not make it easy for Ronaldo as he initially struggled to make an impact. In fact, Fayha are one of only two teams in the domestic league to stop Ronaldo from scoring. That record looked set to be extended, but the 39-year-old managed to end the streak with a smart move.
Ronaldo had a relatively easy chance in the first half of the match but his great effort was saved by goalkeeper Stojkovic. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now accountable for 21 goals in the season and four in this season's AFC Champions League. He has also provided 11 assists in 26 games across competitions. Apart from his late winner, Ronaldo's new celebration also caught the eye because it wasn't his trademark 'Siiiuuu'.
Watch the viral video of Ronaldo's new celebration:
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— كورة | #النصر 🦁 (@9NFCBALL) February 14, 2024
هدف الأسطورة بصوت الجمهور 💛.pic.twitter.com/SDH2DnC6po
We will reach the goal we want: Ronaldo reacts after Al Nassr's win
Al-Nassr's match against Al-Fayha marked their return after the mid-season break. Addressing the media after leading his team to victory, Ronaldo said the team will return to the level it showed before the break.
"The secret of the team is teamwork, and our team will take the path that the coach wants, and we will return to the level we were on before stopping. Victories bring the team back, and I will complete my personal level this season, and we will reach the goal we want," the star striker said.