CRISTIANO RONALDO scored his first free-kick in THREE YEARS to inspire Al-Nassr to a vital comeback win.
The Portuguese’s knuckleball technique came to the fore during his first spell at Manchester United.
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His free-kick at Old Trafford against Portsmouth was particularly memorable, but his dead-ball ability has declined in recent seasons.
Prior to yesterday, his last goal came from a free kick during play Juventus in July 2020.
Ronaldoback then with a topknot, shot a free kick into the back of the net during Juve’s 4-1 victory over local rivals Torino.
It would be his only goal from a free kick during his stay in Italy.
He finally broke his duck yesterday and chose an opportune moment to do so.
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr trailed 1–0 at home to Abha in the 78th minute, as they won a free kick 30 yards from goal.
Ronaldo was undeterred by his lack of success at set pieces in recent years and stood over it with his trademark attitude.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner neatly hit the back of the net.
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He didn’t appear to be a man taking a final payday as he passionately celebrated his crucial equalizer – screaming in elation and pumping his fists at the crowd.
Abha was reduced to ten men just two minutes later and Anderson Talisca completed Al-Nassr’s comeback in 86 minutes.
The victory left Al-Nassr just one point behind league-leader Al-Ittihad at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo’s title rivals are managed by ex-Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo – and they continued their brilliant run with a 5-1 win at Al Fateh yesterday.
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