Cristiano Ronaldo not only added another goal in the recent match against Al Nasr, moving him closer to 1,000 goals (currently at 970), but also ensured his team a place in the semi-finals with a 4-0 victory over Al Wasl in the quarter-finals of AFC Champions League 2.
However, before being substituted in the second half, the 41-year-old Portugal star missed a crucial scoring opportunity and became the subject of criticism on social media.
CR7 Criticized for failing to score a goal
Al Nasr’s captain opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a precise cross from Bouchard. He then came on as a substitute for Abdullah Alhamdan in the 68th minute of the second half.
Igo Marnes (24th minute), Abdulela Al-Amri (26th minute) and Sadio Mann (80th minute) added the remaining goals to seal the victory, but CR7 could have scored one more late in the match.
‘Bicho’ broke free into the six-yard box and headed a cross from Brozovic from just a few yards out over the bar, leaving the goal almost empty and unmarked.
The reaction was immediate. Cristiano himself put his hands to his head in disbelief at the rare mistake in a career that was marked by his efficiency in such plays.
At the same time, this also sparked criticism from fans, who, far from sugarcoating the situation, vented their anger at X, calling his play “ridiculous” and even questioning his current form.
“I still couldn’t believe how he missed it,” one of them said. “The decline in his heading ability was just too bad,” commented another.
A third fan wrote: “He’s finished. My grandfather could have easily scored. He’s only good at what he does now.” “It’s been so long since he last scored a header. It’s getting ridiculous,” added another.
It’s true that of the 26 goals Cristiano has scored this season, only three have been headers, but his scoring instinct is still there. He has scored 24 goals in the Saudi Professional League and also played two more games for Al Ahly, leaving him just three goals behind top scorer Ivan Toni.
Meanwhile, Al Nasr will play Al Ahly (3rd place) at home in their next match in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday 29th, in a head-to-head showdown for the top spot between two great goal scorers.
