The five-time Ballon d’Or made his long-awaited debut for Al-Nassr on Sunday as they locked horns with Ettifaq on Sunday.
There would’ve been a lot of hope he’d light the place up, especially after his brace when representing a combined Al-Nassr and Al Hilal XI in an exhibition match against Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday.
But he was nowhere near as busy in the Saudi Pro League clash which saw Al-Nassr edge to a 1-0 triumph.
The winner was scored by Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca, who headed home a cross after Ronaldo didn’t quite connect with the ball on 31 minutes.
That was about as close as Ronaldo came to scoring on debut, with the Portuguese having an uneventful evening.
His early touches of the ball were greeted with enthusiastic screams from the Al-Nassr faithful. Ronaldo had his first shot on goal in the eighth minute but the effort deflected harmlessly out for a corner.
Ronaldo went down demanding a penalty after claiming to have been pulled down in the box but the referee was unmoved.
On the hour mark Ronaldo nearly got an assist as his brilliant cross was met by Gonzalo Martinez, who’s resulting shot was tipped over the bar by Ettifaq goalkeeper Paulo Victor.
Moments later Ronaldo set Talisca up for a chance but the 28-year-old couldn’t convert.
Al-Nassr held on for the win, which takes them to the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
Ronaldo has the chance to get his first goal for his new club when Al-Nassr face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final on Thursday.
