"We are so finished", "Can't even a friendly without Ronaldo" - Al-Nassr fans left unimpressed after pre-season friendly draw with Farense
Al-Nassr fans weren't happy with their team's performance after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Portuguese side SC Farense despite being without Cristiano Ronaldo. The two sides faced each other in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 21.
This was the Knights of Najd's second pre-season friendly after they were also held to a 1-1 draw by Louletano DC on July 14. They failed to get on winning ways as newly promoted Primeira Liga outfit Farense were able to secure a draw.
Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't involved in the game as he is still on vacation with his family following Portugal's quarter-final exit at Euro 2024. Al-Nassr struggled in his absence but took the lead in the 33rd minute through Anderson Talisca. Unfortunately, Farense's Rafael Barbosa netted a penalty four minutes later to level the scores.
Al-Nassr landed seven shots on target compared to Farense's six but were unable to find a winner. Fans weren't impressed by this as one posted on X:
"Can't even a friendly without Ronaldo."
Another fan tweeted:
"We are so finished".
Some other reactions can be seen below:
"Another stupid result god this team is horrible," one fan posted.
"Finished club. Thank god this is ronaldo's last season. I hope he either retires or goes to a different club. I hope he doesn't choose money and stay at alnassr for another season," one fan typed.
"We going trophyless again," one fan predicted.
"We ain't good enough honestly. Can't beat a 2nd decision Portugese team," another added.
"Al Nassr is out to give HBP this season. I am not watching," one chimed in.
"Cant even win a single friendly game without Cristiano," one fan pointed out.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr will only be able to make new signings from their own budget after exhausting PIF funds: Reports
According to London-based news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal will only be able to make new signings using their own budget and resources this summer.
Both Saudi giants have reportedly exhausted their budget from the polarization program over the past year. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal made several key signings last year, including top superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Sadio Mane. However, while covering their lucrative contracts, they have used up their allocated PIF budget.
This would be a massive blow for the Knights of Najd as they were reportedly keen on signing the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Casemiro, Ederson, and Bruno Fernandes to bolster their squad. They recently signed Bento Matheus as their new goalkeeper to replace David Ospina.