Al Nasr started 2026 with a controversial but valuable victory. Riyadh defeated Al Shabab 3-2 in a complicated match that was decided only in the final stages, earning them their first three points of the year in the Saudi Pro League. However, more attention was focused on his actions towards Cristiano Ronaldo and the opposing goalkeeper than the result.
The team led by the Najd Knights had to fight harder than expected to achieve victory, and were only able to break the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining. Tensions in the final stages and complaints about the referee sparked an episode that quickly went viral online.
Kingsley Coman’s stunning overhead kick shocks Cristiano Ronaldo against Al Nasr
Cristiano Ronaldo challenges goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe
After Abdulrahman Gharib’s goal, which made the final 3-2 for Al Nasr, Cristiano Ronaldo looked at Brazilian goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe and made a gesture that was interpreted as a direct provocation. During a complaint about an alleged violation before the goal, he pretended to be crying and made him “cry”.
Al Shabab’s goalkeeper protested with several of his teammates for the goal to be ruled out, but the Portuguese star pointed at him and waited for eye contact before making the gesture, prompting an immediate reaction from the player and the referee. This was not the only clash between the two sides during the night.
There were several episodes in the duel between Ronaldo and Grohe.
Minutes earlier, during one of Al Nasr’s goals, Ronaldo had already been involved in the controversial act of putting his hand on Grohe’s head and pushing him down after a play. After the referee’s intervention and the goalkeeper’s reaction, both sides apologized and the incident seemed resolved…until the decisive goal was scored.
Images later shared on social media showed a brief embrace between the two, although many of the earlier gestures were omitted. After the goal, Grohe called for a VAR review, but Ronaldo, clearly irritated, exaggerated his reaction by pointing at the goalkeeper, feigning shock and then crying.
Al Nasr maintains second place in Saudi Pro League
In terms of sport, the victory left Al Nasr as the sole defenders of leaders Al Hilal, with a four-point lead but one game to go. The winning goal came from Saad Barobaid’s own goal, Kingsley Coman’s superb bicycle kick and Gharib’s winning goal.
The team ended their losing streak with three games, but doubts about their performance once again remained. Cristiano Ronaldo put in a quiet performance and didn’t get his first shot until the 82nd minute, but his temperament rather than his contribution to football once again attracted attention.
Ronaldo’s personality is back in the spotlight
The Portuguese player, who is 40 years old and approaching 41, has experienced one of the most difficult starts to his career. His leadership has come under scrutiny due to his lack of goals, controversial gestures and constant clashes with rivals.
Al Nasr will play Damak again as visitors on Wednesday, January 21st, and all eyes will be on not only the result but also the movements of their biggest stars.
