With Al-Nassr losing 2-0 to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semifinals, Cristiano Ronaldo got a straight red card for an altercation with an opponent in the final minutes of the game.
The Portuguese superstar was clearly not happy with the decision, as he looked furious at the referees. The 39-year-old even seemed to threaten to hit the official with the ball after being sent off, before making gestures against the refs on his way off the field.
Salem Aldawsari put Al-Hilal in front 61 minutes into the game, with Malcom extending their lead 11 minutes later. Ronaldo left his team down to 10 men after 86′, and even though Sadio Mane pulled one back late in stoppage time (90+9′), but it was too late.
Al-Nassr are eliminated from the tournament, with Al-Hilal set to play Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final on Thursday, April 11. Now, Ronaldo and company’s best chance of lifting a trophy relies on the King Cup of Champions.
Luis Castro’s men will battle it out for a place in the final against Al-Khaleej on May 1. But before that, they have to play two league fixtures to try and reduce the gap with leaders Al-Hilal.
Al-Nassr also run from behind Al-Hilal in the league
The Riyadh rivals have been flying this season, leading the Saudi Pro League standings with 77 points in 27 games (W25 D1). Jorge Jesus’ men won their last 33 games across all competitions, breaking the Guinness World Record.
Al-Nassr have struggled to catch up to that kind of level, as they’re second in the league table 12 points shy of the leaders. There are still seven rounds left, but the outlook is not promising.
While Ronaldo didn’t have a great night in the Saudi Super Cup semis, the veteran striker has been carrying his side in the Saudi Pro League, being the tournament’s top scorer with 29 goals – seven clear of Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Al-Nassr will return to action Friday, when they host Al-Feiha on Matchday 28 of the Saudi Pro League. Eight days later, they will play Al-Khaleej before the King Cup of Champions semifinal.