The two faces of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia: the top scorer… and the one who misses the most

Cristiano Ronaldo has produced incredible numbers since arriving at Al-Nassrstarting with the stratospheric $217 million per year contract he received.

Few would argue that it wasn't well deserved given the sheer number of goals he scored in 2023, becoming the year's top scorer with 54 goals for the Saudi club and the Portugal national team.

The 39-year-old is also the Arab League's top scorer with 23 goals this season. However, Sofascore reports that the former real Madrid The star has also squandered his fair share of chances in the Saudi Pro League.

With 20 missed opportunities in the 2023-24 season, Ronaldo is at the top of the list. Behind him is Al-HilalThe Serbian striker Alexander Mitrovicwho missed 19 opportunities, and Al-Ettifaq star Moussa Dembele is third with 15.

The missed opportunity that cost him the Asian Champions League

One of Cristiano RonaldoThe most costly failures for Al-NassrHowever, came in a 4-3 win over the United Arab Emirates team Al-Ainwhich saw them level the score at four goals, but ultimately lose 3-1 on penalties.

While Christian scored in the dying minutes to send the game into extra time, the chance he missed a few minutes earlier would have turned the game around Al-Nassrthe favor of.

The Arab team travelled to the Emirates knowing they had to win to stay in the competition after a narrow 1-0 home defeat in the first leg.

In the 61st minute of the return leg, with the score at 2-2 on aggregate, Al-Ain the goalkeeper blocked a shot RonaldoThe path is about three meters from the goal.

With the keeper beaten, Ronaldo he just had to tap it in – but he somehow sent the ball wide with his left foot, leaving the Portuguese star in disbelief at a miss rarely seen in his career.

Fortunately for Christian, Alex Telles scored to make it 3-2 in the 72nd minute and send the game into extra time. Christian converted his penalty in the penalty shootout, but in the end his teammates Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles And Otaviowho all have experience of European football, missed the penalty to send Al-Nassr packaging.