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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

Odion Ighalo outshines Manchester United great Cristiano Ronaldo as Al-Nassr lose

Cristiano Ronaldo endured another frustrating evening on Tuesday as his Al-Nassr side were beaten 2-0 by Al-Hilal.

The Portuguese star was outshone by a far less successful former Manchester United man as well, with Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo netting twice for the victors while Ronaldo could only manage only a yellow card and a disallowed goal.

Al-Nassr travelled to the King Fahd International Stadium looking to go top of the Saudi Pro League, which they could have done with a win. Unfortunately, Al-Hilal had other ideas, producing a fine performance in front of their own fans.

ALSO READ: Al-Nassr will struggle to grant Cristiano Ronaldo's Jose Mourinho wish

Ronaldo was kept relatively quiet before referee Michael Oliver - who currently referees Premier League matches in England as well - awarded the hosts a penalty three minutes before half-time. Ighalo calmly tucked the spot-kick home after sending Nawaf Alaqidi the wrong way.

The second half followed much of the same pattern, with one former Red frustrated while the other thrived. Ronaldo was booked for lashing out and minutes later, Al-Hilal were handed another chance to score from the spot just past the hour - Ighalo duly obliged with another assured finish.

There was still time for more Ronaldo frustration, the 38-year-old thought he'd pulled one back only for it to be called offside. And to rub salt in the wounds one final time, the former Red thought he'd won his side a penalty via handball when his free-kick was blocked, only for Oliver to overturn his decision after a VAR review.

Al-Nassr remain three points from the top, having played a game more than the league leaders Al-Ittihad.

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