Cristiano Ronaldo Strikes Again as Al-Nassr Drop Points – But CR7 Insists “We Know What We Need to Do”

Cristiano Ronaldo walked away frustrated but defiant. Another goal, another landmark moment in a career that refuses to slow down, yet not the result Al-Nassr wanted. A dramatic 2-2 draw with Al-Ettifaq brought their 10-match winning run in the Saudi Pro League to a sudden halt, but Ronaldo’s message afterwards was clear: panic is not part of the plan.

At 40 years old, Ronaldo once again found himself at the centre of events, quite literally this time, as one of Al-Nassr’s goals deflected in off his back. It was not the cleanest finish of his career, but it still counted, pushing his astonishing tally to 957 senior goals. Even on a night when victory slipped away, CR7 ensured the spotlight followed him.

Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Nassr FC: A Test of Nerves and Character

This was never going to be a straightforward evening. Al-Ettifaq arrived with confidence and a clear plan, and they executed it with discipline and belief. Al-Nassr, meanwhile, looked rattled early on by an incident that could have completely changed the complexion of the match.

Inside five minutes, left-back Saad Fahad was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Madallah Alolayan. The decision seemed harsh but final – until VAR intervened. After a long review, the referee downgraded the dismissal to a yellow card, sparing Al-Nassr from playing almost the entire match with ten men.

It felt like a huge let-off. Yet, oddly, it was Al-Ettifaq who benefited most from the chaos.

Wijnaldum’s Statement Night Against Al-Nassr

Against the run of play, Georginio Wijnaldum struck first – and he did so in style. The former Liverpool midfielder latched on to a swift counter-attack, carried the ball forward with authority and unleashed a powerful effort from range that left the Al-Nassr goalkeeper helpless.

It was a reminder of Wijnaldum’s quality and experience, and a warning that Al-Ettifaq were not in Riyadh to make up the numbers.

Al-Nassr responded as expected. They dominated possession, pushed their full-backs high and camped in the opposition half. Ronaldo worked tirelessly, dropping deep at times, pulling defenders out of position and urging his team-mates forward. Yet, for all their territorial control, clear chances were scarce.

Before the break, Ronaldo failed to register a shot on target, closely marked and often crowded out as Al-Ettifaq defended in numbers. The final ball was missing, the tempo inconsistent. Al-Nassr went into half-time frustrated and trailing.

‘We Are on the Right Path’: Al-Nassr’s Second-Half Response

Whatever was said in the dressing room had an immediate impact. Al-Nassr came out sharper, quicker and more decisive – and they needed just seconds of the second half to make it count.

Angelo Gomes drove purposefully down the left flank before cutting the ball back to Joao Felix on the edge of the area. The Portuguese forward showed composure, guiding a low finish into the corner to make it 1-1 and reignite belief inside the stadium.

Momentum swung decisively. Al-Nassr sensed vulnerability and pushed for the winner. Just after the hour mark, they got it – albeit in unusual fashion. Felix again caused problems, his close-range effort deflecting off Ronaldo’s back and looping over the line. The goal was officially credited to CR7, another addition to the ever-growing collection.

Celebrations, however, were brief.

Al-Ettifaq Refuse to Fold

Rather than retreat, Al-Ettifaq showed remarkable resilience. They continued to break with intent, and once again it was Wijnaldum who delivered the decisive moment.

Timing his run perfectly, the Dutchman slipped through the defence and finished clinically to complete his brace. At 2-2, the stadium fell quiet. For Al-Ettifaq, it felt like a victory. For Al-Nassr, it felt like an opportunity lost.

Despite late pressure, Ronaldo and company could not find a winner. The final whistle confirmed the end of their 10-game winning streak.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Message After the Draw

In the aftermath, Ronaldo struck a calm and optimistic tone. Taking to Instagram, he wrote:
“We are on the right path and we know what we need to do in 2026! 🟡🔵”

It was a message aimed as much at himself as at his team-mates and supporters. Ronaldo has never been one to dwell on setbacks. For him, the bigger picture always matters more than a single result.

Ronaldo, 2026 and the Relentless Drive to Win

Speaking recently at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo once again underlined his motivation to keep going, regardless of age or location.

“It’s demanding to keep playing,” he admitted. “But I still have the passion and I’m motivated to continue. It doesn’t matter if I play in the Middle East or Europe; I want to keep winning titles and reach the milestone everyone knows.”

That milestone, of course, is 1,000 career goals – a number that once seemed unthinkable and now feels increasingly realistic if injuries stay away.

His hunger remains central to Al-Nassr’s ambitions. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia in 2023, Ronaldo has lifted only the Arab Club Champions Cup, falling short of the Saudi Pro League title he craves most. Matches like this only sharpen that desire.

Eyes on Silverware in the Saudi Pro League and Beyond

Looking ahead, Ronaldo’s focus stretches far beyond this draw. Al-Nassr open their 2026 campaign against Al-Ahli, led by Ivan Toney, in what promises to be a statement fixture. Every dropped point now carries added weight in a fiercely competitive league.

Internationally, Ronaldo is widely expected to lead Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. A recent setback, including a red card against the Republic of Ireland, briefly raised questions about his availability, but FIFA’s decision to grant a reprieve ensures he will feature from the group stage onwards in the United States.

If Ronaldo can guide Portugal deep into the tournament – or even to glory – while finally lifting a major trophy with Al-Nassr, the debates around his legacy will inevitably resurface.

For now, though, the message is simple. One draw does not derail a season. Cristiano Ronaldo has seen too much, won too much and scored too much to lose faith now.

Al-Nassr were held. The winning run ended. But as Ronaldo insists, they know exactly what needs to be done next.