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Soccer – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr v Al Ettifaq – Mrsool Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 22, 2023 Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia seen in REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia says Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role in helping his new side secure victory over Al Ettifaq on Sunday even though he was not involved in the only goal in the match.
Anderson Talisca earned Al Nassr a 1-0 home win over Al Ettifaq, with Ronaldo making his Saudi Pro league debut as the team’s captain.
“It’s a positive addition when you have a player like Ronaldo because he helps disrupt the defenders, which is what happened with the goals,” Garcia told reporters.
“Today we created an opportunity for him and asked the players to have different games between him and Talisca, and we must not forget that he participated in (the exhibition match against) Paris St Germain and did not rest enough.
“Even with Ronaldo, it’s not easy to win the Saudi League because of … the strength of the competitors.”
The win saw Al Nassr return to the top of the league standings with 33 points from 14 matches. They are ahead of Al Hilal in second place, who have played more than one game.
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