- Al-Nassr had to overturn a one-goal deficit to advance to the semi-finals
- Ronaldo is the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer with 22 goals in 21 appearances
- It was huge for Arsenal to find a way to beat Brentford – there are so many things bouncing their way now. Listen to the It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Cristiano Ronaldo inexplicably missed the target from three meters in the AFC Champions League match between Al Nassr and Al-Ain on Monday evening.
The 39-year-old has maintained a relentless goalscoring pace this season, topping the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 22 goals in 21 appearances.
His work in the continental competition was not as prolific, but still impressive, with five goals in seven games. But he will be keen to push his final performance to the back of his mind due to the shocking miss on the hour.
Trailing 1-0 in the first leg, Al-Nassr were awarded two early concessions and faced a monumental task to advance to the semi-finals.
A first-half stoppage time goal from Abdulrahman Ghareeb made their task easier before an own goal from Khalid Eisa put them level on the evening and seemed to perfectly set the stage for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo inexplicably missed the target from just three yards out, with the goal gaping
The 39-year-old was stunned by his miss and looked at the official hoping to see a raised flag
Ronaldo could have put his side ahead that evening and leveled in their AFC Champions League match
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But after reacting quickest to a rebound from the keeper, Ronaldo broke his lines and fired wide of the post when it looked harder to miss.
Everyone at Al-Awwal Stadium was shocked, including the Portuguese, who covered his face in horror, and some of his teammates.
Former Manchester United defender Alex Telles went some way to saving Ronaldo’s blushes, grabbing the goal in the 72nd minute to level the exciting tie.
However, in extra time, Al-Nassr’s Ayman Yahya was shown a straight red card before Al-Ain scored the goal to restore their lead in the tie.