Cristiano Ronaldo made his mark with two goals against Al Gharafa, helping Al Nassr win 3-1 in the AFC Champions League in the early morning of November 26.Launching a star-studded lineup, Al Nassr dominated the home team Al Gharafa from the start of the match. Ronaldo wore the captain’s armband for Al Nassr and showed his role when he was voted the best player of the match. The Portuguese superstar touched the ball 33 times, had 8 shots and 4 on target before being substituted in the 74th minute.
In the second minute, Ronaldo showed his aggressiveness with the first shot of the match, but the shot was too weak and the home team’s goalkeeper grabbed the ball. In the 19th minute, receiving a pass from his teammate, Ronaldo shot into the near corner but was still blocked by Al Gharafa goalkeeper Sergio Rico.
Ronaldo’s most notable chance in the first half was the missed situation in the 44th minute. Goalkeeper Rico made a mistake when punching the ball straight at CR7’s feet but his volley was blocked by defender Kechrida right on the goal line.
Just 50 seconds after the second half started, Ronaldo opened the scoring with a cross-angle header that left Rico rooted to the spot, putting Al Nassr 1-0 ahead. Continuing the excitement, the 39-year-old star handled the opponent’s penalty area skillfully before unleashing a cross-angle shot to complete his double.
Al Nassr added another goal in the 58th minute through Angelo Gabriel. The home team only got a consolation goal through Joselu in the 75th minute of the match.
Scoring two goals against Al Gharafa, Ronaldo increased his number of goals this season to 40 and was the 913th goal of his career. CR7 also rose to 2nd place in the AFC Champions League top scorer list this season with 4 goals, only behind Jasir Asani of Gwangju FC (6 goals).
Ronaldo celebrates wildly after scoring the opening goal (Photo: Al Nassr).
Al Nassr are currently ranked 2nd in the AFC Champions League standings with 13 points after 5 rounds and are still unbeaten in this arena. 
Ronaldo and his teammates are sure to enter the round of 16 because they are 10 points ahead of the ninth-placed team with only 3 matches left in the group stage.
