Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice on his eagerly anticipated Saudi Arabian football debut, but his Riyadh All-Star team lost a friendly match to Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain 5-4.
The opening goal was calmly sunk by Messi less than three minutes into the game after Neymar shrewdly passed over the top to him.
PSG appeared to be superior to their opponents, who were made up of the best players available from Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, but some tenacious defending saved the day.
After 34 minutes, Ronaldo and Keylor Navas, the goalkeeper, clashed while attempting to catch a high pass. Although neither player appeared to make touch with the ball, a penalty was nevertheless given, which the veteran converted.
When Juan Bernat fouled Salem Al-Dawsari as the last man, Les Parisiens were down to ten men and had no choice but to draw a red card.
Marquinhos’ close-range goal gave PSG the lead, but they should have increased their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Neymar collided to earn a questionable penalty through VAR, which he then calmly shot right at Mohammed Al Owais’ easy dive.
After a minimum of three minutes of additional time had been given, the half went through the sixth minute, giving Ronaldo, who had been earlier clattered, ample time to strike the post and steer home the rebound for a score of 2-2.
The high intensity was maintained in the second half, and Mbappe in particular looked dangerous when he darted to the byline after 53 minutes to set up Sergio Ramos’ tap-in.
With a swift response, the Riyadh team equalized thanks to Jang Hyun-deft soo’s header from a corner that was blasted into the near post.
Messi’s attempt was handled in the box, leading to what was perhaps the first clear penalty of the evening, which Mbappe hammered in for a 4-3 score.
As the hour-mark approached, Ronaldo, Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi all left the stage to standing ovations from an enthralled audience.
Hugo Ekitike rushed forward to give PSG, now primarily comprised of youngsters and reserve players, some breathing room with 10 minutes remaining, making Anderson Talisca’s fierce long-range effort merely a consolation. There was still plenty of action to be had from the eleven men of PSG.
Adam Ibrahim
Adam is passionate about politics and issues that affect governance. As a writer, he channels his energies into writing on pertinent national and political issues for the good of the Ghanaian people.