RIYADH: Star player Cristiano Ronaldo has been making headlines due to his unexpected celebration after scoring a match-winner for Al-Nassr as he bowed for a Sujud followed by his trademark celebration.
Cristiano Ronaldo performed a Sujud, the act of low bowing or prostration to Allah facing the qiblah (direction of the Kabba at Mecca).
The star footballer then followed it up with his trademark “Siiuuu” celebration.
@Cristiano performing Sajood after leading Al-Nassar to crucial victory to stay Alive in Saudi league. What a sight. May Allah guide him to right path. Aameen#Al_NassarvsAl_Shahab #CristianoRonaldo #Ronaldo𓃵 pic.twitter.com/OWXsIlyWLE
— Khawaja Haris Ismail (@H_I_khawaja) May 24, 2023
The Portuguese great struck the match-winner in the 59th minute as Al Nassr fought back from 0-2 down to keep their title hopes alive in the Saudi Pro League.
The Riyadh derby was a crucial encounter for the second-placed Al Nassr as a defeat would mean that the leader Al-Ittihad, which beat Al-Batin 1-0 earlier, would be crowned the champions of the Saudi Pro League with two games to spare.
Cristian Guanca opened the scoring for Al-Shabab from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after Luiz Gustavo was booked for handball.
Guanca then struck again to double their lead in the 40th minute but the advantage was shortlived as Talisca struck to reduce the deficit for Al Nassr.
Abdulrahman Ghareeb then equalised in the 51st minute after being left unmarked in the box and slotting home from close range.
Cristiano Ronaldo put Al Nassr ahead just before the hour mark, racing past two defenders and curling a shot into the top corner from the outside of the area.
It is worth mentioning here that it was Ronaldo’s 14th goal for Al Nassr since joining the club after FIFA World Cup.
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