Cristiano Ronaldo faces toughest Al Nassr test against Al Ittihad

Cristiano Ronaldo’s introduction at Al Nassr was feted, the fanfare fevered. It felt appropriate.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner represented – quite comfortably – the most prominent name to land not only in Saudi Arabian football, or the game in the Gulf, but in Asian football, too.

But Ronaldo’s debut in late January, delayed by suspension incurred during his previous employment at Manchester United, failed to deliver. He did not get on the scoresheet against Al Ettifaq in front of the thousands at Mrsool Park, his play disjointed, his impact minimal.

Perhaps it was understandable, even for a footballer of such ilk, given the new team, the fresh league, the unfamiliar surroundings. Days later, Nassr lost 3-1 to Al Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup. Again, Ronaldo did not spark.

Quick to downplay any doubts, Rudi Garcia, the Nassr manager, reminded that his team would take time to mesh with Ronaldo; ditto Ronaldo with them.

Then February felt the forward’s full force. About to turn 38, Ronaldo converted a late, late penalty away to Al Fateh to secure a 2-2 draw and keep Nassr top of the Saudi Pro League (SPL).

In his next game, at Al Wehda, Ronaldo struck all four goals, the quartet coming in a 40-minute spell bridged by half time. He departed with the match ball, another highlight reel soon sweeping across social media, the headlines heard way beyond Saudi. It was the Ronaldo Effect in full flow, worth a reported $200 million per season.

Returning to Mrsool Park, Ronaldo then assisted both goals in the 2-1 win against fifth-placed Al Taawoun, the first a fabulous pass that conveyed a master marksman was settling in sync with his new side. To reinforce the point, a hat-trick followed away to Damak.

Deservedly, after eight