"Cristiano Ronaldo was not bad today and presented a distinct level" - Al-Nassr manager on Portugal star's showing in 1-1 Al-Hilal draw

Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli has opened up about how Cristiano Ronaldo performed in their 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal. The two clubs faced off in their Saudi Pro League clash at the Al-Awwal Park on Friday (November 1).

The Knights of Najd scored first through Anderson Talisca in the first minute. A long battle began to defend their lead, but in the 77th minute, it was Sergej Milinkovic-Savic who provided the equalizer.

After the game, Stefano Pioli shared his thoughts on the match (via Portuguese outlet Noticias a Minuto):

"We started the game very well, but unfortunately we didn’t finish it the way we started. We played a game that was more than wonderful in terms of physical preparation and were closer to winning than Al Hilal."

He further discussed Cristiano Ronaldo, who failed to find the net with his three shots at goal. The Portuguese legend also had a massive chance to score for Nassr, but he missed the target entirely. Pioli said:

“The game was enjoyable for both teams and proved that the Saudi League is not as easy as some think. Cristiano Ronaldo was not bad today and presented a distinct level.

"We have already shown that Al Nassr is capable of competing at the highest level, and I am pleased with everything the players presented in the derby. We need to think about the next game, with four days of preparation."

This is now the third consecutive Saudi Pro League game where Ronaldo has failed to score or provide an assist. It is worth noting that he remains in generally good form, having scored six goals and provided two assists in eight league games this season.

---

Cristiano Ronaldo won't reach 1000-goal mark: France legend

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he will not reach the 1000-goal mark by France legend Emmanuel Petit. The legendary striker is currently on 907 goals for club and country, the highest in the history of professional football.

The 39-year-old is admittedly aiming for 1000, but Emmanuel Petit does not believe this will happen. The former player said to Jeffbet (via GOAL):

"Cristiano Ronaldo won't reach 1000 goals, even if he plays in Saudi Arabia until 42 years old. It will be extremely hard to average 30-40 goals a season at that age, and he will only decline with age. I don't expect him to get near that figure in all honesty."

Ronaldo will be hoping to prove Petit wrong, but the legendary Portuguese striker will need to keep fit and regularly find the net throughout this season to reach his goal.