In a thrilling AFC Champions League encounter, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his influence beyond goal-scoring as he convinced the referee to overturn a penalty decision in Al Nassr’s 0-0 draw against Iran’s Persepolis.
The 38-year-old football icon, formerly of Manchester United and Real Madrid, initially won a penalty after what seemed like a foul by Soroush Rafiei.
However, Ronaldo vehemently argued with the referee, gesturing that no foul had occurred.
After a consultation with VAR, the Chinese referee, Ma Ning, made the unprecedented decision to review his initial call by heading to the pitch-side monitor.
To the surprise of many, the penalty was rescinded in the Group E clash held in Riyadh.
The Saudi Pro League side, Al Nassr, faced additional challenges, playing most of the match with 10 men due to Ali Lajami’s early red card in the 17th minute.
Ronaldo himself was forced to leave the field in the 77th minute due to a neck injury caused by a clash with Persepolis goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
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Despite these setbacks, the 2018 and 2020 Champions League runners-up from Iran, Persepolis, failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
The draw secured Al Nassr’s place in the knockout stages as group winners.
Ronaldo’s swift recovery is essential as Al Nassr prepares for a top-of-the-table league clash against Al Hilal on Friday.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad lead Group C by two points after a 2-1 victory against Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC, with Marcelo Gallardo’s side aiming to secure their spot in the next round.
In other AFC Champions League action, Nasaf Qarshi claimed the top spot in Group B with a 3-1 win over Jordan’s Al Faisaly, while Qatari side Al Sadd kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 victory against Sharjah in the UAE.
As the group stage concludes next week in the West Zone, with five winners from Groups A to E and the three best runners-up advancing to the last 16 in February, anticipation builds for the knockout stages set to unfold in March and beyond.