“Playing against him was difficult" - Nacho on facing former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Qadsiah's win over Al-Nassr
Al-Qadsiah captain Nacho Fernandez has spoken about how it felt to face his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Qadsiah claimed an impressive 2-1 win over Al-Nassr on Friday, November 22.
Newly promoted Al-Qadsiah turned to Europe as they sought to build a squad worthy of the Saudi Pro League in the summer. Backed by owners Aramco, they landed a number of top-level stars, including Spain international Nacho, who had won Euro 2024 in the summer.
Nacho Fernandez featured from the start, making his 11th league appearance for his side away from home against Al-Nassr. The Spaniard spoke to the media afterwards about going up against Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Playing against Cristiano was difficult, he was my teammate for many years and it was an honour to play against him,” Nacho said.
Nacho and Cristiano Ronaldo captained opposition teams in club football for the first time, having played together at the Santiago Bernabeu for seven years. In their time as Real Madrid players, Nacho and Ronaldo faced off in the colours of Spain and Portugal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Both players were on the scoresheet in the 3-3 draw between the two European nations in Russia.
Ronaldo repeated the trick at Al-Awwal Park as he scored his seventh league goal of the season for his side, but could not prevent the loss.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr suffer first defeat of Saudi Pro League season against ex-Real Madrid teammate
Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo suffered their first league defeat of the season as they were edged 2-1 by newly promoted Al-Qadsiah in front of their fans. Captained by former Real Madrid skipper Nacho Fernandez, Al-Qadsiah shocked favorites Al-Nassr on Friday.
The Knights of Najd find themselves six points off the pace set by leaders Al-Hilal, who have played a game less.
Having been released early from international duty, Ronaldo was fresh and well-rested, and he put his side ahead after 32 minutes. The lead did not last long as Mexican striker Julian Quinones drew the visitors level five minutes later.
Former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang had the final say in the tie as he scored the winner for his side in the 50th minute. The newly promoted side are now in fifth place, level on points with Al-Nassr in third.
