After Al Nassr's 2-0 victory over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, visiting fans taunted Ronaldo with chants referencing Al Ahli's two AFC Champions League Elite titles. In response, the Al Nassr captain merely smiled, raised his hand with five fingers, and stated, "I have five Champions Leagues," highlighting his record in Europe's premier club competition.
This exchange marked the peak of escalating tension between the two clubs. Prior to this, center-back Merih Demiral had frequently provoked Al Nassr by flaunting Al Ahli's Asian football achievements. During the match itself, he displayed two fingers to symbolize two AFC Champions League titles, while also forming a zero to suggest Al Nassr lacked comparable accolades.
Demiral, who played alongside Ronaldo at Juventus from 2019 to 2021, is now his rival. While the Portuguese superstar secured Champions League victories in 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018, the Turkish center-back has yet to achieve such a feat.
The provocations extended beyond the pitch, as Demiral continued to fuel tension after the game. He held an Asian Champions League medal, displayed it towards the Al Nassr stands, and subsequently shared the image on social media with the caption: "First time with a Champions League medal in their stadium."
This stark contrast in achievements mirrors the broader context of their respective seasons. Al Ahli recently claimed consecutive Asian championships but has struggled in the domestic league race. Conversely, Al Nassr is closing in on the Saudi Pro League title, which would be Ronaldo's first official trophy since his move to the Middle East. This disparity has intensified the verbal sparring, both on and off the field.
Al Ahli has also openly criticized the refereeing on multiple occasions, even suggesting favoritism aimed at helping Al Nassr and Ronaldo secure the championship. These suspicions were amplified by a series of controversial incidents during the match, particularly several uncalled handballs in the penalty area that denied the visiting team penalties.
Tension further escalated due to aggressive clashes late in the game. Demiral became a target for home fans' provocations, while he consistently retaliated. A severe foul infuriated the Turkish center-back, leading to a scuffle between players from both sides in injury time.
After the match, Demiral pointed to scratches on his leg and questioned the league's integrity. He asserted that Al Ahli always wins without assistance, implying that their opponents receive external support to achieve their objectives.
By Hoang An (National News)
