Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury was the biggest talking point of the clash between Al-Nassr and Persepolis in the AFC Champions League. Among the reactions from fans and experts, Persepolis goalkeeper stole the spotlight with his message to Ronaldo.
Ronaldo went down in the second half of the clash with a collision with Persepolis’s goalkeeper, Alireza Beiranvand. The Portuguese was substituted in the 78th minute as a precaution. The injury was a cause of concern for Al-Nassr fans, as the Riyadh-based side is set to travel to Al-Hilal for an important league clash.
Persepolis goalkeeper Alireza on Instagram ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5F7N7E2owl
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) November 28, 2023
There was a certain section of Saudi fans who were angry with Beiranvand for the collision however, the Iranian goalkeeper took to social media to send a message to Ronaldo to calm the nerves on the Saudi side. Beiranvand uploaded a picture of Ronaldo holding his neck after the collision and wrote: “I hope no problem has happened to you, Cristiano.”
The concern and the polite message from Beiranvand were enough to warm the hearts of Ronaldo fans. The match between the Asian side ended in a 0-0 draw. Al-Nassr is currently at the top of Group E with 13 points. They are unbeaten in the competition so far.
On the other hand, Persepolis is second with eight points. Both teams have confirmed their qualification to the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League ahead of the final match day of the group stage.
Al-Nassr manager gave an update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury
Luis Castro was rounded by the reports to receive an update on Ronaldo’s fitness ahead of the crucial league clash. His comments were hopeful that the Portuguese striker would be able to take part against Al-Hilal in the next fixture. Castro updated: “The medical team is studying the injury and will do everything to make sure he is ready for the next game.”
Luis Castro was worried just like all of us but thank god the 🐐 is okay 💛 pic.twitter.com/Tlo87HU8l2
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) November 28, 2023
Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has yet to miss a match with any injury. He last missed a match due to a physical issue back in the 2022/23 season when he was ill for nine days. During that time, he missed three games for Manchester United and Portugal.
Fans have to go back to the 2021/22 season to find an instance when Cristiano Ronaldo was out with an injury. He missed a single match for Manchester United in March 2022 with a hip flexor problem. The incredible fitness record of Ronaldo should be credited to his dedication to his fitness regime. At the age of 38, the Portuguese is still able to keep himself fit for a grueling soccer calendar.
Circling back to Al-Nassr, the Riyadh-based club will be back in action on December 1 to face Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal. They are four points behind the leaders and need a victory to continue their title charge. Al-Ahli is in third place with 27 points, so for now, it is a two-horse race for the Saudi league.
