Cristiano Ronaldo denied chance to extend stunning goalscoring run and boots the ball away in frustration
Cristiano Ronaldo could not continue his hot goalscoring form after a controversial decision in the Saudi Pro League.
In the final minute against Damac, the referee blew up for full-time just as Ronaldo was released on goal to deny him a chance to add to his recent hot form.
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Ronaldo was benched by Al Nassr on Friday night despite scoring back-to-back hat-tricksCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United star had been benched by Al Nassr boss Luis Castro, even though he had scored back-to-back hat-tricks for the club.
And they lacked his huge goal threat as they struggled to break down the side, that are eighth in the division, until they brought on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with nearly 20 minutes to go.
The change in tempo was almost immediate when Ronaldo set up Abdulrahman Ghareeb for a simple finish but the winger smashed his effort off the bar.
Moments later, the ex-Real Madrid star was set free by Aymeric Laporte but his resulting shot was cleared off the line at the final chance.
READ MORE ON RONALDOAl Nassr did take the lead through Laporte when the former Manchester City defender headed home from a corner in the 91st minute.
But there was controversy when Ronaldo broke the offside trap and was about to run through on goal but the referee blew for full-time.
The Portugal international was seething at the decision and booted the ball into the stands in fury.
As a result, Ronaldo was denied the chance to add to his extraordinary recent form, having scored two hat-tricks in a row for Al Nassr.
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Ronaldo was through on goal in the 96th minuteCredit: SSC
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But the referee blew for full-time, which left Ronaldo furiousCredit: SSCThe first came in a 5-1 drubbing of Al Tai before repeating the feat in an 8-0 demoltion of Abha.
Ronaldo returned from international duty last month with fire in his belly after a disappointing display for the Selecao.
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He had been benched by Roberto Martinez before firing a blank in a shock defeat to Slovenia.
It led to talk that the veteran superstar might have to contend with being a squad player for his country ahead of the Euros.
But his recent form in front of goal shows that he still has a point to prove as he looks to lead Portugal to Euro glory in Germany this summer.
