Sadio Mane made his debut for Al-Nassr for the first time on Thursday, August 3, 2023, but it was Cristiano Ronaldo who stole the show with a late goal.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player scored a late crucial goal to send Al-Nassr through to the Arab Club Champions Cup quarter-finals.
Despite playing in the second half, the former Liverpool man failed to draw Al-Nassr level after they went behind to a 53rd-minute penalty in their final Group C match.
However, in the 87th minute Ronaldo did what Mane couldn’t, scoring a neat headed-goal from left-back Konan’s pinpoint cross.
Sadio Mane took to his Instagram page to thank his teammate for his heroics, saying: “Une nouvelle page s’ouvre [a new page opens]!!! Congrats for your goal big Man @cristiano!!! On to the next round. Thanks @alnassr fans the support was amazing.”
Ronaldo’s equaliser was the 840th goal of his incredible career and it is evident that he is finding his foot well ahead of a new campaign in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d’Or award 5 times, has now scored two goals in the Arab Club Champions Cup.
He also scored a winning goal for Portugal over the summer to beat Iceland away from home during Euro 2024 qualification.
Saudi Pro League clubs have been massive in the transfer market this summer, with Al Nassr signing players like Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana and Alex Telles to bolster their title chances.
Sadio Mane, 31, only spent one season with Bayern Munich after leaving Liverpool where he enjoyed a successful 6-years career under Jurgen Klopp.
The Senegal international started strong for the German team as he managed to get 11 goals and four assists by mid-November just months after he moved.
His form suffered a setback and had to undergo a surgery after suffering a tendon injury to his right fibula, which prevented him from competing in the World Cup in Qatar.
He returned from injury last month after he spent three months on the sidelines and is yet to score but has assisted since then.
Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays for Bayern Munich and the Senegal national team. He was born on 10 April 1992.
Mane is regarded as one of the best players in the world and also one of the greatest African players of all time. He is known for pressing, dribbling, and pace.
Sadio Mane joined Bayern Munich from Liverpool for a deal worth £35 million last summer after 6 years at Anfield.
He started strong for the German team as he managed to get 11 goals and four assists by mid-November just months after he moved.
His form suffered a setback and had to undergo surgery after suffering a tendon injury to his right fibula, which prevented him from competing in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
