"Without Ronaldo, this team is nothing" - Social media reacts as Al-Nassr held to draw by newly promoted team in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence

Fans on social media shared their opinions as Al-Nassr drew 3-3 against Al-Kholood on September 25 in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence. The Ar Rass-based club are playing their first-ever season in the Saudi Pro League following their promotion from the FDL in the last campaign.

Al-Kholood's Myziane Maolida opened the scoring with a right-footed shot through an assist by Jackson Muleka in the 12th minute. Aymeric Laporte found the equalizer for Al-Nassr with a header after being set up by Ali Lajami just four minutes later.

Talisca scored the lead for the Knights of Najd in the 24th minute. However, the lead did not last long as Maolida struck again from another assist by Jackson Muleka in the 28th minute.

Muleka scored the third goal for Al-Kholood from an assist by Hammam Al Hammami in the 71st minute. However, Muleka conceded a penalty with a handball, which Talisca successfully converted in 90+5 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo was not included in the line-up against Al-Kholood and no official reason was announced for his absence. The Portuguese icon missing this clash can also be a strategic move by head coach Stefano Pioli for the upcoming fixtures. There has been no reported injury update about the 39-year-old star forward so far.

Fans flooded social media with posts criticizing Al-Nassr's performance against Al-Kholood in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence in the Saudi Pro League. Here are some of their reactions on X:

One fan wrote:

"Without Ronaldo this team is nothing"

Another added:

"No Ronaldo. No party."

"Another season without a title 💀," wrote another.

One account posted:

"Jorge Jesus will be licking his lips ahead of next week’s game with Al Nassr."

Another tweeted:

"Not good enough fr, y’all wait till we meet the big boys and see the actual nonsense."

"This game didnt matter we werent going to win the league anyway," posted another.

One user wrote:

"Without Ronaldo al nassr team nothing"

While another wrote:

"The league is officially gone bye bye"

Al-Nassr are currently third on the Saudi Pro League table with 18 points in eight matches. They face rivals Al-Hilal at home next in the league on November 1, at Al-Awwal Park. The Knights of Najd also play against Al-Taawoun in the King Cup of Champions on October 29.

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Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate in January

Real Madrid are reportedly keen on signing Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate Aymeric Laporte in the upcoming January transfer window. Los Blancos are considering the 30-year-old to strengthen their defense amid injuries, as per Diario AS (via Al Nassr Zone on X).

Real Madrid are currently missing two key players, David Alaba and Daniel Carvajal in their defense after they sustained cruciate ligament tear. The former is expected to return later this year while Carvajal is out for the season.

Aymeric Laporte joined Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in 2023 following his five-season tenure at Manchester City. He has recorded seven goals and one assist in 51 appearances for the Riyadh-based club so far. His contract at the Saudi Pro League side is valid until the summer of 2026.