In his goal-scoring career, Cristiano Ronaldo has been notorious for his brilliant and towering headers. His ability to leap several meters in the air is unmatched, and now he has the stats to show for it. Scoring a sensational goal in the Arab Club Champions Cup, the 38-year-old Portuguese has just beaten Gerd Muller’s record.
Despite their outstanding comeback, Al-Nassr and especially Cristiano Ronaldo are not happy that he will not feature in the 2023-24 Champions League tournament. In about two decades, this is, in fact, the first Champions League tournament without Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo sets new record with header goal
It was a thrilling Arab Club Champions Cup game at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Tuesday. It was also a great time to witness the excellence of Cristiano Ronaldo, notorious for setting and breaking records. As he’s done time and time again, Cristiano Ronaldo led his team to a resounding 4-1 victory over US Monastir.
The win held special significance for Ronaldo, as it marked yet another occasion where he established a new record for goal-scoring. This accomplishment further cements his position as one of the most exceptional footballers in history.
Al-Nassr was already trailing in the game, but Ronaldo initiated the comeback for Al-Nassr with a remarkable header in the 74th minute, marking the beginning of their resurgence. This precise and powerful header allowed him to achieve his 145th goal scored via headers.
According to Leadership, this accomplishment has propelled him to the top position as the all-time leading scorer in the realm of headed goals, surpassing the previous record held by Gerd Muller, who had a tally of 144 goals in this category.
Cristiano Ronaldo has demonstrated his ability to win aerial duels in several crucial game situations. His ability to dominate aerial battles is a defining aspect of his goal-scoring career. In an expected reaction, Ronaldo’s great goal sent the crowd into a frenzy as they were awe-struck by the brilliance of this 38-year-old goal-scoring merchant.
Al-Nassr had initially drawn against Al Shabab in this competition. Hence, the victory against US Monastir was also a significant feat for Al-Nassr as it marked their first win in the Arab Club Champions Cup this season.
UEFA chief rejects idea of Al-Nassr or Saudi clubs in Champions League
According to Goal, Aleksander Ceferin, the president of UEFA, has firmly rejected the possibility of Saudi Arabian clubs participating in UEFA competitions. He has dismissed earlier media speculations that hinted at the potential inclusion of teams like Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr or other Saudi Pro League clubs through wildcard entries into the Champions League.
The Saudi Pro League’s chief operating officer, Carlo Nohra, expressing his desire for the SPL’s participation in European competition, said, “We are trying to be different. So any change or improvement that can be introduced to the league will be welcome.”
The UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, told L’Equipe, “Only European clubs can participate in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.” The UEFA president also said there was no chance of the Champions League final being played in the United States. “Only European federations can apply [to host] a final, not even clubs. We would have to change all our rules, and we don’t want that,” he added.
Let us know what you feel about this upset or do you feel that this was best for the future of European Football. Let us know in the comments section.
