Cristiano Ronaldo was mobbed by his Al-Nassr team-mates after opening the scoring with a precise finish against Al-Wehda on Thursday.
Ronaldo has struggled to get going during his early games in Saudi Arabia, but his enduring class was there for all to see against Al-Wehda. After getting off the mark in his third match last week, the former Manchester United man looks to have found his stride now.
After Gerson Rodrigues had struck the post with a stinging shot for Al-Wehda at the other end, Ronaldo made it 1-0. Collecting a through ball from his team-mate, he spun into the box and fired a powerful low finish across the goalkeeper into the bottom corner.
The celebrations that followed will have pleased manager Rudi Garcia, too. Ronaldo ran to the corner flag to do his trademark "SIUUUU" celebration before being joined by his Al-Nassr team-mates.
The goal had to be checked by VAR for offside, but once it got the all clear - Ronaldo was well onside, having timed his run to perfection - they were able to celebrate again. Ronaldo screamed to the heavens and embraced his nearest team-mate, while Garcia fist-pumped on the sidelines.
Ronaldo added another goal just minutes later, racing beyond the Al-Wehda defence to slot a finish through the goalkeeper's legs to make it 2-0 before half-time.
The goals comes after worrying comment from midfielder Luis Gustavo, who suggested that Ronaldo's arrival had not been going to plan. He told RT Arabic : “Certainly, the presence of Cristiano makes it difficult for us, as all teams seek to participate against him in the best possible way, and he gives motivation to everyone.”
Gustavo clearly felt that Ronaldo's presence can inspire their opponents to produce better performances. The Portugal striker is a scalp other sides want to take in Saudi Arabia.
Nevertheless, the former Bayern Munich midfielder was glowing in his praise of Ronaldo.
“His presence at Al-Nassr gives a great advantage to the group because we learn from him everyday, given the great capabilities he possesses, both technically and physically," he added.
“ Cristiano Ronaldo was created for challenges and he always succeeds in them. And everyone here is waiting for what he will present. He has already scored his first goal and he therefore got rid of the pressure.”
