Cristiano Ronaldo’s Miracle Moment Falls Short as Al-Nassr’s Winning Run Ends
Cristiano Ronaldo produced yet another unforgettable moment, but even his sheer brilliance wasn’t enough to preserve Al-Nassr’s perfect run as they were held to a thrilling 2–2 draw by Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. On a dramatic night filled with controversy, defensive lapses, and stunning goals, it was former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum who ultimately stole the spotlight with a sensational brace that halted Al-Nassr’s 10-game winning streak.
Al-Nassr’s night got off to the worst possible start. Just five minutes into the match, left-back Saad Fahad was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge after catching Madallah Alolayan on the calf. The referee initially sent Fahad off, but after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned and reduced to a yellow card — a moment that sparked frustration and confusion across the stadium.
Despite the early scare, Al-Nassr dominated possession and pushed forward relentlessly. However, their aggressive approach left space at the back, and Al-Ettifaq capitalized. Wijnaldum opened the scoring after latching onto a perfectly timed through ball during a swift counter-attack. The Dutch midfielder surged into the penalty area unchallenged and unleashed a powerful long-range effort that flew past the goalkeeper. Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez, tasked with marking Wijnaldum, was caught flat-footed, allowing the Al-Ettifaq captain far too much freedom.
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Al-Nassr responded by throwing numbers forward, but despite their pressure, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Cristiano Ronaldo worked tirelessly in the first half, yet failed to register a shot on target. It was his Portuguese compatriot Joao Felix who brought Al-Nassr level before halftime. Former Chelsea winger Angelo Gomes cut in from the left and picked out Felix on the edge of the box, and the forward calmly guided a low, precise finish into the corner to make it 1–1.
The second half began with renewed intensity, and Al-Nassr looked like a completely different side. Just seven minutes past the hour mark, Christiano Ronaldo finally found his way onto the scoresheet — albeit in the most unconventional fashion. Felix’s shot ricocheted off Ronaldo’s back and deflected into the net, taking the Portuguese icon’s career goal tally to an astonishing 957. It wasn’t pretty, but it counted, and Al-Nassr briefly held the lead.
Cristiano Ronaldo Scores a Miracle Goal but Sees Al-Nassr Denied as Wijnaldum Steals the Spotlight
However, their celebrations were short-lived. Al-Ettifaq refused to fold, and once again it was Wijnaldum who led the charge. Against the run of play, the former Liverpool midfielder struck back with a composed finish to equalize, punishing Al-Nassr’s defensive frailties for a second time. Martinez endured a nightmare outing, failing to close down Wijnaldum effectively as the Dutchman completed his brace with ruthless efficiency.
On a night when both Ronaldo and Felix got their names on the scoresheet, it was Wijnaldum who delivered the decisive impact. His leadership, movement, and clinical finishing inspired Al-Ettifaq to fight back and secure a vital point, ending Al-Nassr’s dominant winning run in dramatic fashion.
For Al-Nassr, the result will feel like a missed opportunity. Despite Ronaldo’s miracle moment and sustained attacking pressure, defensive lapses proved costly. For Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, this draw felt like a statement — powered by a former Premier League star who reminded everyone of his class when it mattered most.
The draw served as a timely reminder that even Al-Nassr’s star-studded lineup is not immune to pressure when defensive discipline slips. While Ronaldo’s bizarre yet historic goal added another unforgettable chapter to his legendary career, the dropped points will concern Jorge Jesus as the title race intensifies. For Al-Ettifaq, the result could prove season-defining — a morale-boosting performance built on belief, resilience, and Wijnaldum’s leadership, showing they can stand toe-to-toe with the league’s biggest names and walk away unshaken.
