Ronaldo Leads Al-Nassr Viking Clap After Asian Win

Cristiano Ronaldo led Al-Nassr’s post-match Viking clap after their Asian victory, kissing the club crest in a public show of support during a tense night in Riyadh.

Angelo Gabriel put Al-Nassr ahead before an own goal by an Uzbek opponent secured the points for the hosts. The match went ahead after a pre-kick-off delay caused by disruption in the capital.

Quick facts

Al-Nassr have moved to eighth in Group B with three points from two matches.
Angelo Gabriel scored the opening goal before an Uzbek own goal sealed the result.
Houthi missile strikes targeted Riyadh’s international airport earlier on matchday.
Al-Nassr face Al-Ahli in the league on Thursday.
Ronaldo is 19 goals short of the 1,000-goal milestone.

The fixture was played amid regional tensions after missile strikes hit the capital’s international airport earlier in the day. Ronaldo’s gestures towards the badge and the Saudi national colours carried added significance as Al-Nassr saw out the contest.

The club highlighted comments Ronaldo made after extending his contract until 2027. The Portuguese forward, who joined Al-Nassr in early 2023, said: “I am Portuguese, but I belong to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Nassr also posted an image of their captain wearing Saudi colours alongside the message: “A piece of Saudi, carried close to the heart.”

The win offers Ronaldo a positive response after recent uncertainty surrounding his Portugal future following a disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Al-Nassr now turn immediately to Thursday’s major league meeting with Al-Ahli.

Keeping Ronaldo fit and firing will be central to that challenge, with the veteran forward closing on 1,000 career goals.