Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr secured a thrilling 3-1 win over bottom-placed Al-Batin in the Saudi Pro League on Friday and the manner in which they pulled off the comeback has turned a lot of heads on social media. Despite the Portuguese star failing to get on the scoresheet, his fought back from the brink of a shock home defeat by scoring thrice inside the 12 minutes of additional time.
The league encounter began with Al-Batin taking an early lead through Renzo Lopez in the 17th minute. Al Nassr when then forced to fight back in the hope of getting an equalizer before the break and it was Ronaldo who came close. However, the former Manchester United forward saw his effort cleared off the line.
As the match seemed to be heading towards a shock win for Al-Batin, the referee awarded a massive 12 minutes for stoppages, providing Al-Nassr with an opportunity to stage a comeback. Abdulrahman Ghareeb was the first to score for the hosts inside the first minute of additional time. Just two minutes later, Mohammed Al Fatil put Al-Nassr ahead with a close-range finish. Mohammed Maran then scored the third in the dying moments of the game to complete a stunning comeback.
In the aftermath of the game, fans and pundits alike took to Twitter to express their shock and amazement at the late drama in the match. While some praised Al-Nassr's fighting spirit and hailed the team's incredible comeback, others were mostly concerned about the hefty injury-time that gave Ronaldo and his teammates a lifeline in the game.
Meanwhile, the win sees Al-Nassr return to the top of the Saudi Pro League table, with 46 points from 19 matches, two points ahead of second-placed Al-Ittihad. Al-Batin, on the other hand, remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just 10 points from 19 matches.
Here are a few reactions from fans on Twitter:
Referee: We play until Ronaldo's team wins pic.twitter.com/N5XjINw6F5
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) March 3, 2023
Al Nassr This Ronaldo league is finished! 15min extra time Pls!!! Yet Ronaldo's team scored 3 goals against bottom barrel club and Ronaldo can't even can... Finito pic.twitter.com/iIr4LveClI
— The originals (@Theorriginal) March 3, 2023
Al Nassr scored all 3 of their goals in stoppage time
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) March 3, 2023
Clutch team just like Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/F2hKFEq0e9
Al Nassr last minute comeback? Ronaldo influence
— Amit Zohar (@amitttrmfc) March 3, 2023
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) March 3, 2023
What drama at Mrsool Park! What an ending. Al Nassr counter in the 105th minute and Mohammed Maran seals the points.
They were 1-0 down in the 92nd minute!#RoshnSaudiLeague | @AlNassrFC_EN | @albatinclub pic.twitter.com/hM0gZKePjs
Ronaldo is finally turning Al Nassr into Manchester United
— JEY (@MmoaNkoaaa) March 3, 2023
He'll score all the goals and make sure they win nothing pic.twitter.com/7rl3Btsunb
12 mins extra time so Ronaldo can score and save Al Nassr from losing to the last placed team . Expect a penalty soon ! Hold on Al-Batin we're praying for you !!
— PRESIDER (@iam_presider) March 3, 2023
Ronaldo has already scored 3 penalties in 5 games . 3rd highest in Gameweek 19 pic.twitter.com/3qMrF84xx6