However, the referee blew the whistle just over the 47-minute mark – two minutes of extra time was added to the end of the regular 45-minute first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr appeals during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Wehda and Al Nassr at King Abdul Aziz Stadium on February 9, 2023 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ronaldo took exception to that considering the golden chance to get another goal on the board, and immediately punted the ball downfield.
Because of his rage, the referee reached into his pocket for his yellow card and issued it to Ronaldo. The 38-year-old soccer superstar scoffed at it, as he didn’t even look the referee’s way.
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Al-Nassr didn’t need that scoring chance at the end of the match, as they advanced to the semifinal with a 3-1 victory over Abha. Sami Al-Najel, Abdullah Al-Khaibari and Mohammed Maran were the goal scorers for Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr before the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah on March 9, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ronaldo has been frustrated of late because he hasn’t put the ball in the back of the net in his last two matches. That could have added to his decision to punt the ball on a great opportunity to change that.
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In seven matches this year with his new squad, Ronaldo has potted eight goals and assisted on two. This was the first yellow card he received.
Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo stands over a free-kick during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Batin at the Mrsool Park Stadium in the Saudi capital Riyadh on March 3, 2023. (-/AFP via Getty Images)
Al-Nassr will face Al-Wehda in the semifinal on April 23, but will have four matches prior to that outing.