Cristiano Ronaldo inexplicably missed the target from three yards in Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League clash with Al-Ain on Monday night.
The 39-year-old has maintained a relentless goalscoring pace this season to sit atop the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 22 strikes in 21 appearances.
His work in the continental competition has not been as productive, yet still impressive, with five goals in seven outings. But he’ll be keen to push his latest performance to the back of his mind, on account of the shocking miss on the hour.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Al-Nassr suffered two early concessions to face a mammoth task to progress to the semi-finals.
A first-half stoppage time goal from Abdulrahman Ghareeb made their task easier before a Khalid Eisa own goal brought them level on night and appeared tp perfectly set the stage for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo inexplicably missed the target from only three yards out with the goal gaping
The 39-year-old was stunned by his miss and looked to the official in the hope of seeing a raised flag.
Ronaldo could have put his side ahead on the night and level on aggregate in their AFC Champions League clash.
Luís Castro's reaction after Cristiano was in on goal but failed to convert 💀 pic.twitter.com/HyInUMNfjo
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2024
But after responding quickest to a rebound off the keeper, Ronaldo fluffed his lines and put a shot wide of the post when it looked harder to miss.
All in the Al -Awwal Stadium were dismayed, including the Portuguese, who covered his face in horror, and several of his team-mates.
Former Manchester United defender Alex Telles saved Ronaldo’s blushes to some degree, grabbing the goal in the 72nd minute that levelled up the thrilling tie on aggregate.
However, into extra-time, Al-Nassr’s Ayman Yahya was show a straight red card before Al-Ain scored the goal to restore their lead in the tie.
