Ronaldo Scores Twice as PSG Edge Riyadh All-Star XI in Thrilling Friendly
Messi and Neymar Feature in High-Scoring Riyadh Clash
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - January 19, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo marked his debut for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr by scoring twice in a thrilling 5-4 victory for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over a Riyadh All-Star XI in a friendly match on Thursday. The exhibition marked Ronaldo's first appearance in Saudi Arabia since his much-publicized move to Al Nassr earlier this month.
PSG, fielding a star-studded lineup including Lionel Messi and Neymar, took an early lead through Lionel Messi's penalty in the third minute. Ronaldo equalized for the All-Star XI in the 34th minute, but Kylian Mbappe restored PSG's advantage just minutes later. Neymar extended the lead to 3-1 in the 43rd minute, but Ronaldo pulled one back for the hosts just before halftime.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with both teams trading goals. Sergio Ramos extended PSG's lead to 4-2 in the 53rd minute, but Anderson Talisca scored for the All-Star XI in the 56th minute to keep the match alive. Ronaldo completed his brace in the 60th minute, setting up a tense finish that saw PSG hold on for a narrow victory.
The friendly provided fans with a glimpse of Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar playing together for the first time since Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid in 2018. The match also marked the first time the three players had faced each other in a competitive match since the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
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