“Games over, he is playing”, “We are truly finished” - Fans react as 30-year-old star makes XI for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr SPL clash vs Al-Hilal
Al-Nassr fans have conveyed their worries on X after Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate Anderson Talisca was included in the starting XI to face Neymar's Al-Hilal. The two sides are set to face each other in their Saudi Pro League fixture at Al-Awwal Park later tonight (Friday, November 1).
Bento Krepski starts in goal for Al-Nassr. Sultan Al-Ghannam, Mohamed Simakan, Aymeric Laporte, and Nawaf Al-Boushail make up the defense. The midfield consists of Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Marcelo Brozovic, Sadio Mane, Otavio, and Anderson Talisca. Cristiano Ronaldo is the lone forward as the Knights of Najd line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
It will be pivotal for Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr to secure a positive result against rivals Al-Hilal. The former are currently third in the league table with 18 points from eight games. They sit six points behind Neymar's Al-Hilal - who are at the summit of the standings.
In addition, Stefano Pioli will seek to return to winning ways after being knocked out of the King Cup of Champions Round of 16 midweek by Al-Taawoun. While Neymar won't feature for Al-Hilal tonight due to not being registered to play league games until January, Jorge Jesus and Co. still pose a massive threat up front.
However, fans are furious with Talisca's inclusion in the starting XI. The Brazilian has come under heavy criticism this season for his poor work-rate. He has scored five goals in 14 appearances across competitions.
One fan posted:
"Games over, Talisca is playing"
Another fan typed:
"Talidonkey ahead of Ayman. We are truly finished"
Check out how other fans reacted below:
"Talisca starting in the big 2024," one fan commented
"Talisca again. The chances of not losing were minimal, and now they're gone," another added
"All eyes on Ronaldo," one fan posted
"Talisca again ffs," another tweeted
"No angelo no party," another chimed in
"Together as one!" - Cristiano Ronaldo sends defiant message to Al-Nassr fans ahead of SPL clash against Neymar's Al-Hilal
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a defiant message to the Al-Nassr faithful ahead of their crucial Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Hilal. The 39-year-old tweeted on X:
"You in the stands, us on the pitch. Together as one! See you at the game tomorrow"
Al-Nassr will be hoping to avenge their 4-1 loss against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final earlier this season on August 17. Cristiano Ronaldo gave his side the lead going into half-time. However, despite being without Neymar, Al-Hilal ran riot in the second half, scoring via goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Alexandar Mitrovic's brace, and Malcom.
Ronaldo will be hoping to reverse his side's fortunes. He has been in good form this season, garnering nine goals and three assists in 12 appearances across competitions.