Cristiano Ronaldo saves Al-Nassr with 97th minute winner in Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty in the 97th minute of the game against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League to claim a 2-1 win.

Cristiano Ronaldo saves Al-Nassr with 97th minute winner in Saudi Pro League

Will Cristiano Ronaldo reach the 1000 goal mark? (via X/@Cristiano)

Al-Shabab hosted Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr and the Faris Najd claimed a thrilling late win in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo took center stage as the 39-year-old bagged a late winner to snatch all three points for his side. Following the game, fans sang praise for the Portuguese as they highlighted his goal scoring in the previous games.

As things stand, Al-Nassr are second in the League table, only behind rivals Al-Hilal. Ronaldo and Co.’s most recent outing was far from comfortable as there was an own goal, a missed penalty and a red card in injury time. The scoring was opened by defender Aymeric Laporte, whose driven volley hit the roof of the net in the 69th minute.

YouTube video

This was followed by multiple attempts to get on the scoresheet by either side, at the end of which the hosts drew level thanks to an own goal from Ali Al-Hassan. While Al-Shabab thought they had claimed a point, up stepped Cristiano Ronaldo to become a hero.

The No.7 opted to take a penalty awarded in the final minutes and comfortably converted from the spot.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends bold message following late drama against Al-Shabab

Cristiano Ronaldo has been in red-hot form for the past few games in Al-Nassr colors. Despite his goalless display against Scotland in the international break, the veteran bagged a crucial penalty to earn his side three points as club football returned. A quick look at his record reveals that the forward has scored in each of his last five games for the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Al-Shabab
Four of Cristiano Ronaldo’s last five goals for Al-Nassr have come from the penalty spot (Via X/@brfootball)

More importantly, four of them have come from the penalty spot. While many praised his ability to convert them with ease, others mocked him for solely relying on penalties to increase his goal tally. Following the win, Ronaldo took to social media as he shared snaps from the thrilling result.

We never give up!!

Cristiano Ronaldo posted on X following the win

Al-Nassr’s rival Al-Hilal also made headlines when their players imitated Lionel Messi‘s recent Iron Man celebration after scoring against Al-Fayha in their most recent game. Al-Nassr are still four points behind Al-Hilal and with the return of Neymar Jr. around the corner, things are only set to become more difficult for the men in yellow.