Ronaldo beams after ‘hat-trick blast’ Mane effect…perfect score of 10
Cristiano Ronaldo (38, Al Nasr) is enjoying the Mane effect after exploding for a hat-trick.
메이저놀이터Al Nasr thrashed Al Thafeh 5-0 in the third round of the Saudi Professional League 2023-24 season, thanks to a Ronaldo hat-trick and a Mane brace, at the Prince Abdullah bin Jarawi Sports City Stadium in Al Wassa, Saudi Arabia, in the early hours of Saturday (26 January). It was Al Nasr’s first win of the season after two consecutive defeats since the start of the campaign.
Mane’s arrival this season has been a huge boost for Ronaldo. Last season, Ronaldo struggled to score goals as opposition defences focused on him. However, with Mane’s arrival, defenders have been spreading out, making it easier for Ronaldo to score goals.
Ronaldo took full advantage of the ‘Mane effect’. Ronaldo was involved in the first 27 minutes, assisting Mane’s opener. In the 38th minute, Ronaldo finally scored his first goal of the season after three games. The defence lost sight of Ronaldo and he easily slotted home with his head. Buoyed by the momentum, Ronaldo made light work of his teammate’s assist 10 minutes into the second half.
It was a repeat of the goal, as the opposition defence was too busy trying to stop Mane to pay attention to Ronaldo. With two goals in the bag, Ronaldo began his quest for a hat-trick. Ronaldo was brought down in the penalty box, but the referee didn’t award a penalty. Ronaldo continued to argue with the referee. Ronaldo fired a shot that found the back of the net but was not ruled offside.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (All rights reserved)
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (All rights reserved)
Mane’s second goal was also the work of Ronaldo. In the 36th minute, Ronaldo broke free on the edge of the box and crossed for Abdulrahman Gharib. Mane headed home to complete his hat-trick. Mane scored a hat-trick, while Garibaldi picked up a hat-trick of assists.
Not content with two goals, Ronaldo wanted a hat-trick. Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute of stoppage time when he slotted home a ball laid off by a teammate. All three goals came from chances created by his teammates, with Ronaldo making no effort. Ronaldo finished the day with three goals and an assist. After his hat-trick, Ronaldo was all smiles as he performed his trademark ‘downpour ceremony’.
The post-match ‘Couch Score’ gave Ronaldo a 10 out of 10. It was a quantum leap from the 6.8 he received in the opening game. Ronaldo smiles at the Mane effect.