"Messi is so much better", "Out Penaldo now" - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo draws a blank in Al-Nassr's win over Al-Khaleej

Although Al-Nassr managed a 1-0 win against Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, April 27, fans were unimpressed by Cristiano Ronaldo's performance in the match.

Center-back Aymeric Laporte scored the only goal of the match in the 68th minute.

Ronaldo returned to action after missing the last fixture against Al-Fayha on April 19 due to suspension. The Portuguese was shown a straight red for elbowing defender Ali Al-Bulaihi in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup against Al-Hilal on April 9.

Ronaldo initially received a two-match ban but was able to play on Saturday after Al-Nassr won an appeal to reduce his suspension to just one game, according to journalist Aymen Al Tamimi.

Several fans, however, were disappointed with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's performance in the match. Here is a collection of their posts on X (formerly Twitter):

"Ronaldo whenever he plays after a long break," a fan said.

"Ronaldo is finished," another chimed in.

One fan wrote:

"He’s finished Messi is so much better."

Another added:

"The fact that Ronaldo haven't scored a single open play goal since talisca is injured is crazy."

"out penaldo now," said another.

One user said:

"Ronaldo rusty after a long break for him but he’ll be back stronger next game."

"He is just being Ronaldo a ghost as usual when he doesn’t score," added another.

One account wrote:

"Ronaldo ghosted."

While another said:

"Al alewa needs to play more he gvs us pace Cr7 shudh hv scored so many goals today."

Al-Nassr are second in the Saudi Pro League with 71 points from 29 matches, nine points behind Al-Hilal who also have a game in hand.

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Cristiano Ronaldo's stats at Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 and has already scored 56 goals for the club. This season, he has netted 36 times across all competitions while providing 12 assists.

The 39-year-old netted his 65th career hat-trick in Al-Nassr's clash against Abha Club in the Saudi Pro League on April 2, just three days after he scored another hat-trick against Al-Tai.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have five more matches to play in the Saudi Pro League this season, with the next one being against Al-Wehda on May 4. The Knights of Najd also have the semi-final of the King Cup of Champions against Al-Khaleej to look forward to on May 1.