Cristiano Ronaldo returned from suspension on Monday to try to salvage his side Al Nasr’s season in the Saudi Arabian League, season 2023-2024 and guide the Saudi Arabian side closer to the Asian Champions League title for the first time.
Last Thursday, the 39 year-old was banned for one game after making an alleged offensive gesture during a Saudi Arabian League match four days earlier.
The punishment meant that Ronaldo watched frustrated from the sidelines during Thursday’s domestic league game as Al Nassr ended with a 4-4 draw at home to bottom team Al Hazm.
The result leaves the club in second in the Saudi Pro League. “Ronaldo strengthens the team and ensures that the opponent respects you more but his absence had nothing to do with the result,” said Al Nassr coach Luis Castro.
“The league result will not affect our game in the Asian Champions League as we will be fully focused on that.”