Four goals, no reply
The Al Ain stands were chanting “Messi, Messi, Messi”. Cristiano Ronaldo clapped back. Ironically.
Then the match kicked off.
Al-Nassr left the United Arab Emirates with a hiding. 4-0. Houssine Rahimi struck twice, Soufiane Rahimi and Giakoumakis chipped in with the rest. It is the Saudi club’s heaviest defeat in the Asian Champions League since the competition was launched in 2003. Twenty-three years of history, and Tuesday night was when the floor gave way.
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The move the referee missed
Ronaldo did not take it well. After the third goal, he turned on his own team-mates. Frustration, protests at the referee, the lot.
The worst came after that. In trying to make something happen, the 41-year-old forward tangled with an opponent, grabbed him and sent him crashing to the turf. Violently. No punishment. The referee waved it away.
The clips have been doing the rounds since. They do not do him any favours.
Postecoglou stands up for him
At the press conference, the journalists went in hard. Some now see the Portugal captain as a burden on his team. Ange Postecoglou was not having it.
“Cristiano has already scored three goals, he had limited preparation. It is not because of the players. They are giving everything and they have character. That is my responsibility, OK? You should not say that about someone who still sets an example for everyone,” the Australian said.
The backdrop does not help. Al-Nassr are third in the Saudi Pro League, two points behind leaders Al-Hilal, and have made a complete mess of their Asian Champions League opener. Seven games remain in the competition to turn things around. Joao Felix and Sadio Mane both started on Tuesday. It made no difference.
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