Cristiano Ronaldo asked Al-Nassr fans to “always believe to the end” after their “difficult” win over Shabab Al-Ahli.
The Knights of Najd recovered in time to overcome a 2-1 deficit and win 4-2 in the AFC Champions League play-off match. Sultan Al-Ghannam equalized in the 88th minute, before Anderson Talisca and Marcelo Brozovic scored deep into stoppage time to send Al-Nassr into the AFC Champions League main draw at the expense of Shabab Al-Ahli.
Ronaldo set up Brozovic, and the Portuguese forward revealed his delight after rescuing a spectacular triumph from the jaws of loss.
Ronaldo said on Instagram after securing a spot in Asia’s elite club tournament: “Difficult game, but important win to qualify for the Asian champions league! Always believe to the end! Never give up!💪🏼 @alnassr 💛💙”
Ronaldo could have had a miserable night as three penalty appeals were knocked down in the first half alone. However, following a dismal performance against Al-Taawoun the previous week, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looked to have entirely recovered from his ankle injury sustained in the Arab Club Champions Cup final.
Ronaldo will return to action against Al-Fateh in a Saudi Pro League match on Friday evening.
