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Back in form! Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr clinch Asian Champions League win

Published

5 months ago

November 7, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with his teammates after ending his three-game scoreless streak. Photo by Abdullah Ahmed. Source: UGC

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Cristiano Ronaldo brought his mini-goal drought to a halt as Al-Nassr steamrolled past Al Ain in the AFC Champions League
Single strikes from Wesley and the Portuguese phenom, an own goal from Fabio Cardoso and a brace from Anderson Talisca sealed a 5-1 win
The comprehensive victory maintains Al-Nassr’s unbeaten run in the Asian equivalent of the UEFA Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo ended his three-game goal drought in style, leading Al-Nassr to a commanding win over Al Ain in the AFC Champions League.

The 5-1 victory carried a sense of redemption as Al-Nassr avenged last season’s heartbreaking semi-final loss to the Emirati side.

Ronaldo fires Al-Nassr to a thumping win

Desperate to halt a frustrating three-match winless streak, the Knights of Najd were quick to seize control.

Within five minutes of play, the home side set the tone, and it was former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan who sparked the attack, surging through Al Ain’s midfield before finding Anderson Talisca.

https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/1853890089816097113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853890089816097113%7Ctwgr%5E49163fc34472beb877f687ae94897f69f25a446a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568029-cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-goal-drought-powers-al-nassr-champions-league-win%2F

According to Goal, Talisca, in top form during Ronaldo’s scoring lull, capitalised with a composed finish, giving Al-Nassr an early lead that thrilled coach Stefano Pioli.

Ronaldo’s goal spurs eventual victory

Building on this momentum, Al-Nassr pressed for more, and by the half-hour mark, their persistence paid off.

Ronaldo showcased his instincts by reacting first to a fierce shot that Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa parried into his path, allowing the Portuguese forward to finish with ease.

https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/1853870198337454446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853870198337454446%7Ctwgr%5E49163fc34472beb877f687ae94897f69f25a446a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568029-cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-goal-drought-powers-al-nassr-champions-league-win%2F

Just six minutes later, Al-Nassr struck again with a quick one-two exchange between Wesley and Sadio Mane.

Wesley’s powerful strike deflected off an Al Ain defender, adding a touch of fortune to Al-Nassr’s already dominant lead.

https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/1853869598224818283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853869598224818283%7Ctwgr%5E49163fc34472beb877f687ae94897f69f25a446a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568029-cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-goal-drought-powers-al-nassr-champions-league-win%2F

Though Al Ain struggled to keep up, they managed a consolation goal courtesy of a Bento own goal, giving them a glimmer of pride amid Al-Nassr’s offensive onslaught.

https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/1853879985645232322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853879985645232322%7Ctwgr%5E49163fc34472beb877f687ae94897f69f25a446a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568029-cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-goal-drought-powers-al-nassr-champions-league-win%2F

Despite Al Ain’s attempts to rally in the closing stages, it was Brazilian pair Wesley and Talisca who capped off the night with an 81st-minute strike and a stoppage-time goal, securing a comprehensive 5-1 victory for Al-Nassr, per Daily Sports.

Ronaldo’s 1st penalty miss in Saudi costs Al-Nassr

In an earlier publication, Ekwutosblog reported that Cristiano Ronaldo played a central role in Al-Nassr’s exit from the Saudi King’s Cup.

The 39-year-old missed a last-minute penalty, resulting in a narrow loss to Al Taawoun, which ended the Knights of Najd’s cup run.

Ronaldo develops new way of dealing with ‘Messi’ chants

In an earlier report, Ekwutosblog shared that Cristiano Ronaldo faced taunts from opposing fans attempting to provoke him during the Riyadh Derby on November 1.

Known for enduring chants of “Messi” from rival fans, the 39-year-old seems to have developed a more composed response to these provocations, demonstrating a mature approach to handling the gestures.

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Real Madrid and Arsenal fans clash in Kano after UCL Quarterfinal outcome (video)

Published

1 hour ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Football supporters of Real Madrid and Arsenal clashed in Kano after the UCL quarterfinal outcome last night.

The clash was triggered by Real Madrid’s 1-2 defeat to Arsenal, sealing a 5-1 aggregate win for the Gunners and marking their first Champions League semi-final appearance in 16 years.

A video shared online captured the chaotic scenes as supporters of both football clubs were seen exchanging punches, hurling stones, and shouting at each other.

Watch the video below…….

https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/4/real-madrid-and-arsenal-fans-clash-in-kano-after-ucl-quarterfinal-outcome-video-2.html

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JUST IN: Virgil van Dijk signs new two-year deal with Liverpool

Published

3 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Virgil van Dijk. UEFA photo

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract that has now put an end to the questions about his future after months of speculation.

The 33-year-old Dutch centre-back had been inside the final season of his previous deal, which was due to expire in the summer of 2025.

But he has now penned a seven years extension
after arriving from Southampton in a $95m (£75m/€90m) switch.

Van Dijk, who was named Liverpool captain when Jordan Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023, has played almost 300 games for the Reds.

He has already won the Premier League and the Champions League.

“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”

“What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see. I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.

“Discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys [the media] will know it as well. But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”

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Argentina’s President Javier Milei shuns Diego Maradona, names Lionel Messi the Greatest Footballer of all time

Published

1 day ago

April 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, has declared that he has never seen a footballer play like Lionel Messi, calling the Inter Miami star a “superlative player” and the greatest of all time.

His statement may stir debate among Argentine football fans, many of whom still regard the late Diego Maradona as the nation’s greatest football icon.

Speaking on the podcast Nuera, President Milei expressed deep admiration for Messi, describing himself as a long-time supporter, even during periods when the media harshly criticised the former Barcelona captain.

“I have never in my life seen anyone play like he does,” Milei said. “He is a superlative player. I am a crazy fan of Messi. When all the local media were attacking him, there were videos of me defending him as the best player of all time.”

Messi has faced intense scrutiny in the past for his perceived failure to replicate his club success with the Argentine national team. He endured heartbreaking losses, including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and back-to-back Copa America finals to Chile in 2015 and 2016.
In 2024, he added yet another Copa America title to his illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.
In 2016, he briefly retired from international football, only to reverse the decision and lead Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021—his first major title with the national team.
Messi went on to win the 2022 Finalissima and played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, securing the nation’s third world title.