Ronaldo hails Al Nassr's 'amazing spirit' as Gerrard blames referee for King's Cup defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Al Nassr’s “amazing” team spirit in their feisty King’s Cup victory against Al Ettifaq on Tuesday, while rival manager Steven Gerrard blamed the defeat squarely on the referee.

Nassr came through an incredibly fiery last-16 encounter at Al Awwal Park on Tuesday night, winning 1-0 in extra-time courtesy of Sadio Mane’s 107th-minute goal.

The match was more than keenly contested, with both sides having players sent off. First, Anderson Talisca saw red for Nassr at the end of the first half for catching an opponent with his elbow, with his initial yellow card overturned by VAR. The Brazilian had earlier had a goal disallowed by the video assistant.

Meanwhile, Ali Hazzazi was sent off one minute from the end of normal time, the Ettifaq midfielder given a straight red for tripping Nassr counterpart Otavio as he raced away from him in his own half. Both the Ettifaq players and bench vehemently contested the decision.

الحكم يشهر البطاقة الحمراء على لاعب الاتفاق علي هزازي