Al Nasr coach Garcia praises Ronaldo's impact on team

2023-01-23 11:40

Al Nasr coach Garcia praises Ronaldo's impact on team

Al Nasr coach Rudi García said Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in helping his new side beat Al Etyfak on Sunday, although he was not involved in the only goal of the game.


Anderson Taliska helped Al Nasr to a 1-0 home win over Al Etifaq, while Ronaldo made his Saudi Pro League debut as captain.

" When you have a player like Ronaldo, it's a positive addition because he helps to distract the defense and that's what happened with our goal, " Garcia told reporters.

" Today we created chances for him and asked the players to spread the game between him and Talisca, we can't forget that he played against PSG and didn't get enough rest.

" It's not easy to win the Saudi league even with Ronaldo on the pitch because ... the quality of the rivals. "

Victory in Al Nasr took them back to the top of the league with 33 points from 14 games . They are one point ahead of second-placed Al Hilal, who has played an extra game.

Al Nasr coach Garcia praises Ronaldo's impact on team

Expectations for Ronaldo's debut


Expectations were high for his debut after scoring twice in Thursday's friendly against Paris Saint-Germain.

Ronaldo, who was named captain before the game, was full of energy and had a few good moments, but was rarely recognized as his new team-mate seemed to be on a different wavelength, so he was mostly a player up front. The image of loneliness.

Ronaldo had a shot from the edge of the box blocked early in the first half but was awarded a penalty in the 19th minute after being thrown to the ground by an Al Etifak defender.

Brazil striker Talisca gave Al Nasr the lead in the 31st minute when he got up to catch an Abdulmajid Sulehim cross and headed past Al Etifak keeper Paul Victor .

Ronaldo provided support in the best moment after the break as he flicked the ball into the foot of Pitti Martinez , whose first effort was deflected over the bar by Victor.