In a thrilling Saudi Pro League showdown, Cristiano Ronaldo left fans astounded with a goal that was nothing short of extraordinary.
The former Manchester United superstar, now playing for Al-Nassr, secured a 4-3 victory over Al-Ahli, and it was his first goal that had everyone talking.
The game kicked off with a bang, and just four minutes in, Ronaldo found himself with an opportunity to score.
With the ball at his feet, he unleashed a shot that curled into the bottom corner of the net past the Al-Ahli goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy. So far, so good, right? Well, not quite.
The controversy arose from the fact that moments before Ronaldo's strike, the pitch was enveloped in thick smoke.
How on earth has this been allowed loool https://t.co/GTTle3a3DG
— James. (@afcjxmes) September 22, 2023
Fans had thrown something onto the field, creating a hazy mess that made it nearly impossible for Mendy to see the incoming ball.
He was literally blinded by the smoke, and as Ronaldo's shot hit the back of the net, chaos ensued.
Typically, when things like smoke or flares disrupt play, the referee halts the game until visibility is restored.
But not this time. The game went on, and Ronaldo's goal counted, making it a truly remarkable moment in football.
Now, let's talk about the rest of the match. Ronaldo's early goal set the tone for a rollercoaster ride of a game.
Anderson Talisca quickly added another goal for Al-Nassr in the 17th minute, but Al-Ahli fought back.
Franck Kessie pulled one back for the visitors, and hope seemed to be on their side.
However, Talisca struck again, restoring Al-Nassr's two-goal lead. The drama continued after halftime when Riyad Mahrez scored a penalty for Al-Ahli, keeping them in the game.
But Cristiano Ronaldo was not finished. Just minutes later, he netted his second goal of the night, extending Al-Nassr's lead once more.
A late consolation goal from substitute Firas Al-Birakan couldn't change the outcome. Al-Nassr emerged as the victors in this star-studded showdown, but it was Ronaldo's controversial early goal that had everyone talking.
The smoke-filled spectacle will be remembered as one of the most unusual moments in the Saudi Pro League.
