Cristiano Ronaldo faced heavy criticism back in April, following his controversial response to a Messi chant in the stadium. Again, he was taunted by Lionel Messi chants after La Pulga’s candid admission of ninth Ballon d’Or, and now the same incidence has happened yet again.
However, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner, being the face of Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League, has maintained his calm and composure in the face of a resounding Al-Hilal thrashing and berating chants as he blew some kisses instead of an outburst.
Ronaldo’s hilarious response to fight challenge
It was Riyadh Derby Day, featuring a clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr at the King Fahd International Stadium. However, the outcome was not favorable for Al-Nassr, as they were soundly defeated by their archrival.
The atmosphere was charged for the encounter, as the hosts held a slim lead over Al Nassr in the league standings prior to the game. Adding to the intensity, a player from Al Hilal heightened the tension on the pitch by appearing to challenge Ronaldo to a physical altercation in the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo, trying to diffuse the situation and keep the peace, responded by putting his hand to his ear, gesturing that he could not hear Al-Bulayhi’s taunts. After successfully diffusing the situation with a warm smile, Ronaldo chose to disregard the ‘Messi’ chant aggressively echoed in the stands.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s peacekeeping stance buttresses the comments Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro had previously made concerning the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Cristiano is an example for everyone, an example that Al Nassr are lucky to have,” Al Nassr coach Luis Castro said. “He is an example of rigor, ambition and discipline. Lots of people want to be like Cristiano Ronaldo but few want to work like Cristiano Ronaldo. If you want something you have to give everything to get it.”
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player made a concerted effort on the pitch in a committed effort to get Al Nassr a win, but it was all futile. In the second half, with Al Nassr trailing by just one goal, he executed a powerful volley into the net. However, the goal was narrowly disallowed for offside.
Cristiano Ronaldo faces Lionel Messi chants following Al-Nassr defeat
History seemed to echo at the King Fahd International Stadium on Friday night. In April, Ronaldo faced controversy when he responded with an inappropriate gesture after enduring continuous Messi chants from Al-Hilal fans following a 2-0 defeat. On this occasion, the taunts escalated in volume as the margin of defeat grew, leaving Ronaldo as an inconspicuous figure during a relatively subdued evening.
This time around, Ronaldo handled the situation with more maturity as he blew fly kisses to the stands despite Messi chants all over the place. He did this right before he walked down the tunnel after a goalless first half.
The setback against Al-Hilal dealt a significant blow to Al-Nassr’s hopes of clinching the title, with the former now holding a seven-point lead at the summit of the table. Ronaldo is set to make his comeback in the upcoming AFC Champions League fixture against Istikloll on Tuesday, with the match taking place away from home.
Do you think CR7 reacted to the taunts in the correct manner? Make sure to tell us in the comments section.
