RIYADH: A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty gave Al-Nassr a 1-0 win over Al-Shorta on Tuesday and a place in the final of the King Salman Club Cup to face either Al-Hilal or Al-Shabab.
The star-studded Saudi Arabian side were simply too good for the Iraqi champions, although they had to wait until the second half to make their class count and for their megastar to step up from the spot.
Given the talent at their disposal, it was no surprise that Al-Nassr were quick to take control and make the early running. The team, now under coach Luis Castro, looked comfortable in possession and moved the ball around smartly and with intent.
Within the first 10 minutes the Riyadh giants could have been three goals to the good. Anderson Talisca shot straight at Ahmed Basil from a good position after finding himself in space in the penalty area, before Ronaldo went close following a fine pass from Marcelo Brozovic.