New Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has hailed talisman Cristiano Ronaldo after his determined performance in the 2-1 win over Al Ittihad.
The Portuguese icon starred despite not scoring, helping his side over the line in the Super Cup semi-final.
Sadio Mane scored the opener before being sent off, with former Tottenham man Steven Bergwijn grabbing the equaliser for Al Ittihad.
Summer signing Joao Felix grabbed the winning goal, with Ronaldo also having a strike chalked off due to a foul in the build-up.
The celebrations at full-time were wild, particularly from Ronaldo, who is looking to end his time without silverware in Saudi Arabia.
And speaking after the match, Jesus said: “The match was physically exhausting, the humidity was high, and we played with ten players, but it was a beautiful victory that gives the team great confidence.
“For me, the match ended 3-1, and I have nothing to do with the referee’s decision; he bears his own responsibility. Al Ittihad created one chance and didn’t generate many opportunities after that.
“Ronaldo is a great example for world football, a 40-year-old player who delivers athletic and physical performance, and let’s not forget that 80% of the fans in attendance are here for Ronaldo, and Al Nassr deserves to have this global star.
“To be honest, I was surprised by what the players delivered against the league and cup champions, who, by the way, defeated Al Nassr twice last season.
“I’ve been in Saudi football for a long time, played 14 matches against Al Ittihad during that time, and this is a new victory against them.”
