Cristiano Ronaldo wins it for Al Nassr vs Al Shorta in Arab Club Championship Cup semifinal

Al Nassr was in control for most of the game, but could find a way through only in the second half through a penalty converted by Ronaldo.

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup semi-final football match. | Photo Credit: ABDULLAH MAHDI/AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo scored again for Al Nassr as it beat Al Shorta to enter the final of the Arab Club Championship Cup 2023, at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium on Wednesday.

Al Nassr was in control for most of the game, but it failed to make the most of its dominance in the game.

Highlights - Al Nassr vs Al Shorta

Early in the first half, the Saudi Pro League side thought it had taken the lead when Ronaldo latched on to a through ball and slotted it past the goalkeeper, only for the referee to call it back for an offside.

Al Shorta recovered to keep the score-line intact until the half-time, with some resolute defence.

But, Al Nassr started the second half on full tilt. Finally, the pressure gave way to a mistake leading to the match-winning goal.

Newly-signed winger Sadio Mane danced his way through the Al Shorta defence before he was brough down. The referee didn’t give a penalty initially, but relented after consulting with the VAR.

Ronaldo, who took his sweet time to take the penalty, converted from the spot to give his side the lead, which in the end proved to be enough.