"What a game!" - Gianni Infantino reacts as he watches Cristiano Ronaldo score twice to guide Al-Nassr to 4-3 win over Al-Duhail
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reacted on social media after watching Cristiano Ronaldo star in Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League win against Al-Duhail.
The match at Al-Awwal Park ended in a 4-3 win for the Riyadh-based team. Ronaldo starred against the Qatari opposition, scoring twice and setting up another. Both of his goals, scored by his left foot, were absolute scorchers.
After unleashing a long-ranger to the top corner, Ronaldo scored a stunning first-time volley for his second. Overall, it was a rolling-back-the-years performance from the Portuguese.
FIFA President Infantino enjoyed the show from the stands and wrote on Instagram after the game:
"What a game! I attended a thrilling AFC Champions League match between 🇸🇦 Al Nassr and 🇶🇦 Al Duhail at the King Saud University Stadium with the Presidents of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and @alnassr, Yasser Al-Misehal and Musalli Al-Muammar, respectively."
He added:
"It was also great to meet with some of the players afterwards, including @cristiano and Sadio Mané whose goals ensured a narrow victory for the home team."
Watch Infantino's Instagram reel:
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianni Infantino linked up a day prior to the game as well. They both attended the New World Sports Conference 2023 in Riyadh.
A statistical analysis of Cristiano Ronaldo's performance against Al-Duhail
Cristiano Ronaldo was simply sublime against Qatari side Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League. He set up Anderson Talisca with a cheeky back heel flick before scoring two wonder goals with his weaker left foot.
Ronaldo had a total of three shots on target against Philippe Coutinho and Co. He completed 24 passes, including three key passes. The Portugal captain also created three big chances during the match.
Ronaldo won three ground duels and one aerial duel. He also completed one cross and one long ball during the game against Christophe Galtier's team. With his two goals against Al-Duhail, Ronaldo took his season's tally to 14 goals from 13 matches.
The 38-year-old has seven assists to his name as well. Al-Nassr, meanwhile, have now won all three of their AFC Champions League group games. Ronaldo has scored three times in the competition so far.
Luis Castro's side will return to action on October 28 as they take on Al-Feiha in an away clash. Al-Alami are third in the SPL table with 22 points from 10 matches.
They trail league leaders Al-Hilal by four points. Al-Feiha are eighth in the standings with 14 points from 10 matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo is in stunning form in the Saudi Pro League as well. He has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in nine league matches of the 2023–24 season. Ronaldo is the current top scorer in the league.