It was an unusual sight. A team looking invincible and rampaging through opponents had a bad day at the wrong time. Cristiano Ronaldo, yet again, was at the firing end of this misfortune as his side Al-Nassr went down 1-2 to a gritty Al-Ittihad in the Round of 16 of the King’s Cup clash.
The Knights of Najd were dumped out of the competition, opening up the wounds of fans. Poor Ronaldo had to bear the brunt of it. Another opportunity to win silverware went astray. Sadio Mane, Joao Felix and other stars of Al-Nassr tried their best, came close to scoring several times, but missed.
Karim Benzema, on the other hand, led Al-Ittihad magnificently and scored after a stellar counter run from Moussa Diaby, whose inch-perfect cross to Benzema and his subsequent finish, gave the Defending Champions the lead. Al-Nassr equalised through Gabriel, but yet again Al-Ittihad surprised their opponents with Houssem Aour scoring a spectacular goal on the stroke of half-time.
In the second half, it was all Al-Nassr as the Knights went out desperately to score and equalise. Ronaldo had a great chance, but he unfortunately missed, as the fans sighed in sheer disbelief. Al-Ittihad held on and denied Al-Nassr, even after being reduced to 10 men and blowing off their opponents out of the King’s Cup. It was painful for Ronaldo as he left the field in utter disappointment.
Sport is ruthless, but it always gives another opportunity for redemption. Al-Nassr have been brilliant in the Saudi League and will look to extend their dominance when they meet Al Feiha at home on Saturday.
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