Cristiano Ronaldo flops in the big game! Portugal star wastes his chances as Al-Nassr surrender early lead to draw with Saudi Pro League title rivals Al-Hilal

Al-Nassr started the game on the front foot as they took the lead in the very first minute of the match. Otavio set up a perfect ball for Talisca inside the Al-Hilal penalty box who took a touch and found the back of the net.

It took some time for the champions to get a grip on the game and had their first chance on goal in the 38th minute when Aleksandar Mitrovic received the ball from Kalidou Koulibaly and found the back of the net. However, the former Fulham star’s effort was cancelled due to an offside.

Ronaldo, who had a couple of goalscoring chances in the first half, picked up a yellow card at the stroke of half-time after he made an unnecessary harsh tackle on compatriot Joao Cancelo.

Jorge Jesus’ side started the second half with more intent as they looked determined to find the back of the net. They got their best chance to equalise in the 64th minute when Saudi Arabia international Salem Al-Dawsari launched a brilliant shot on goal, however, the ball came off the post. Renan Lodi attempted to finish from the rebound with a first-time effort but Bento did well to parry the ball out for a corner.

The all-important equaliser finally came in the 77th minute when Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic headed the all into the net. The move started with skipper Al-Dawsari setting up a brilliant ball for Lodi on the left edge of the penalty box with a sleek back heel. Lodi then floated a cross in front of the goal and the tall Serbian netted the equaliser and earned his team a point.

Towards the end of the regulation, there was a strong appeal from the visitors for a penalty after Bento clashed with Mitrovic in the air. The Al-Hilal star went down on the pitch in pain, however, after a thorough VAR check the spot-kick was denied.

• Getty Images Sport

  THE MVP

  Saudi Arabia star and Al-Hilal captain Al-Dawsari led his team from the front. The 33-year-old winger was a livewire on the pitch and played an important role in the move for his team’s equaliser. Earlier in the game, he attempted a brilliant shot on goal, however, the ball came off the bar.
• Getty Images Sport

  THE BIG LOSER

  It was yet another bad day in the office for Ronaldo as he failed to find the back of the net in an important clash against the title holders. The 39-year-old did get a few chances to end his goal drought, but he was left disappointed as his team failed to capitalise on an early lead. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United has now failed to find the back of the net in his last four outings.

  WHAT COMES NEXT?

  The Saudi champions will be next seen in action in the AFC Champions League on Monday as they take on Iran’s Esteghlal. Stefano Pioli’s side, on the other hand, will take on UAE’s Al-Ain in the same competition a day later.
• AFP

  MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐⭐