On Monday night, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr team lost 5-0 against Celta Vigo in Ronaldo’s first preseason friendly of the summer.
Marcelo Brozovic made his Saudi Pro League debut while Ronaldo played 45 minutes. The first half in Faro was scoreless, but everything came apart when Celta Vigo started pouring it on.
First scored by Gael Alonso just before the hour mark, the game’s final five goals were scored by Miguel Rodriguez (2), Jorgen Strand Larsen (2), and Alonso (1).
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr paid a heavy price because the Portugal captain wasted a golden chance to give his team the lead in the first half. Coach Luis Castro faces a busy schedule ahead as Al-Nassr play friendly against Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan.
All of these teams have shown Champions League credentials and will be formidable foes.
When teams play exhibition games before the regular season begins, they can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and see if any changes, such as adding new players, will lead to better results.
Unfortunately, due to their ongoing disagreement with Leicester City, FIFA has barred Al-Nassr from registering any new players for the next Saudi Pro League season.