VIDEO; Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction after Milinkovic-Savic was given MotM in cup final
Al-Nassr were crowned Arab Club Champions Cup winners for the first time in their history on Saturday afternoon after defeating Al-Hilal; and they have a lot to thank Cristiano Ronaldo for. To say the Portuguese superstar was influential in their victory is an understatement.
Al-Nassr were staring at defeat with just under 20 minutes of the game remaining. They were 1-0 down after Michael's opener and had been reduced to 10 men following Abdulelah Al-Amri's red card.
But Ronaldo always seems to produce his best when his team needs him the most and he single-handedly turned the game on its head. The legendary footballer netted an equaliser with 16 minutes remaining as he tapped home from close range.
WHO ELSE?????????
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) August 12, 2023
THE BIG MAN ON THE BIG NIGHT.pic.twitter.com/89ZQn1HE87
The game went to extra-time and, despite Al-Nassr's numerical disadvantage, Ronaldo was able to put his side ahead. Seko Fofana's long-range effort rebounded off the bar and straight to Ronaldo, who headed the ball into the back of the net.
HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/BvmIOqkb0A
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) August 12, 2023
Al-Hilal pushed and pushed for an equaliser but the 10 men of Al-Nassr held firm to clinch the title. Ronaldo was forced off injured late on but celebrated wildly alongside his teammates after the final whistle.
Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction after Sergej Milinković-Savić is named Player of the Match
Ronaldo was presented with multiple awards after the final whistle. He was given an award for being the top scorer of the tournament with six goals, while he was also handed the Arab Club Champions Cup trophy as captain of his side.
But one award he did not receive was the award given to the best player in the final. The organisation gave that particular award to Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, who ended up on the losing side.
Ronaldo's reaction to the Serbian being given the award was captured and its fair to say he didn't agree with the decision. The 38-year-old was not amused and could be seen making his case to one of the individuals responsible for giving out the award, according to Marca.
Ronaldo could be seen holding up two fingers to the individual - symbolising the two goals he scored in the final - while he also had a bemused look on his face.
Ronaldo Reaction after Savic awarded for the best player in the match.
— FootballMind⚽️ (@footballMind12) August 12, 2023
Why Always Me? #النصر pic.twitter.com/3zu3FCIpSJ
Milinkovic-Savic from Al-Hilal was elected the best player on the field in the final.
— VAR Tático (@vartatico) August 12, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo questioning why he didn't win the award, as he scored 2 goals and secured the title for Al-Nassr.
What do you guys think? pic.twitter.com/rstPlY4LW7
Ronaldo's mentality really is something else. He had already helped his side to the title and won an indivudal award, but he still wanted more. It's an attitude which explains why he has been so successful throughout his career and why he continues to excel at 38 years old.
So, did Ronaldo deserve to win the award for best player in the final? View his highlights from the match below...
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Al Hilal | Highlights.
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) August 12, 2023
GOAT SHOW 🔥🐐
pic.twitter.com/qUZcbXOQcG