2 weeks Ago By Kyle Bonn
The difference Cristiano Ronaldo makes for Al Nassr can hardly be argued with while he's on the field, but when he's not there, it's even more obvious the impact he has for the club. After a seven-match winning streak which saw Al Nassr within one point of Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal and begin their AFC Champions League journey strong, they were held to a 3-3 draw at Al Kholood on Friday. Ronaldo was not present for the match and therefore was not part of the squad, leaving the club without its biggest goal scoring threat and most visible leader.
MORE: All the latest soccer action | Cristiano Ronaldo news A 95th-minute penalty from Anderson Talisca saved Al Nassr's graces, as they were seemingly in line to suffer defeat, but managed to secure a point. The last-gasp equalizer was Talisca's second goal of the game as the Brazilian stood in admirably for Ronaldo's absence. While not officially confirmed by the club or player representatives, it's generally understood that Ronaldo was at home with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, who has taken ill in recent days.
On Thursday, Rodriguez posted on social media that she was finally home after spending four days in the hospital battling pneumonia, now back in a familiar setting to continue her recovery. Thus, Ronaldo seems to have prioritized family over work, and remained home by her side. "I have to say a big THANK YOU to all the staff members, doctors, nurses, and everyone at the hospital," Rodriguez wrote in her post on Instagram on top of a photo of her arm with an IV drip.
"They took care of me so wonderfully and I'm very grateful for that." Unfortunately, that left Al Nassr without his services, and the side dropped points in his absence. The first half was a roller coaster, with Al Kholood scoring the opener in the 12th minute, only to see Al Nassr score twice through Aymeric Laporte and Talisca to swing themselves in front.
Comoros international Myziane Maolida brought Al Kholood back level before halftime, with the game level at the break. Jackson Muleka seemed to have given the hosts a stunning victory with his 71st-minute goal, but Talisca hit from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time to save a point. It's unclear whether Ronaldo will be back for Al Nassr's next match, their opening King's Cup of Champions match against Al Taawoun in the Round of 16.
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