Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to action as Ange Postecoglou praised the Portugal forward for giving “everything possible” during a 30-minute substitute appearance in Al Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Al Riyadh.
Ronaldo came off the bench for the first time this season and scored Al Nassr’s fourth goal in the 83rd minute, 21 minutes after entering the match. He converted a low cross from Ayman Yahya with his left foot to register his first goal of the campaign.
The result came on Friday at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in the Saudi capital during the second round of the Roshn Saudi League. It moved Al Nassr to six points and top of the table on goal difference, with Al Hilal dropping to second.
Speaking at his post-match news conference, Postecoglou said Ronaldo was eager to play but needed time to return to full fitness after being occupied during pre-season.
“Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, because he was busy during the preparation period,” said Postecoglou, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah.
“It was great for him to score a goal during 30 minutes of playing time. He did everything possible.”
Ronaldo has been managing his return to action at the beginning of the season, with Postecoglou using him from the bench against Al Riyadh. The forward made his limited time on the pitch count by producing a composed finish to complete a convincing win for the visitors.
Postecoglou also highlighted the demands placed on his squad after a congested start to the campaign. Al Nassr had played three matches in six days, leaving the players fatigued despite their strong performance.
“Playing three matches in six days is a challenge for us, and I congratulate the players for winning all of them,” he said.
“They are tired and are not as ready as they were in previous matches, but they never stopped and they pleased me with the quality of their play.”
The Australian manager then pointed to the contribution of Paul Nevin after the opening goal, scored by Abdulilah Al-Amri in the 18th minute. The defender headed or turned in a delivery from Brazilian winger Angelo following a corner, giving Al Nassr the lead.
Postecoglou said he congratulated Nevin because of the work he does with Toni, the goalkeeper coach, on set-piece routines.
“I greeted Paul Nevin after Abdulilah Al-Amri’s goal because he specialises in set-pieces with Toni, the goalkeeper coach,” Postecoglou said.
“They worked hard to make us a strong team in this area, and it is great to make use of set-pieces in matches.”
Al Nassr’s victory kept them level on points with Al Hilal after the opening two rounds, but their superior goal difference placed them at the top of the Roshn Saudi League.
