Cristiano Ronaldo sends defiant message after being benched for Al-Nassr's last-ditch victory over Damac

The Portuguese talisman had been in sensation form ahead of the Saudi Pro League encounter against Damac after netting seven goals in three matches including two successive hat-tricks against Al-Tai and Abha. However, Luis Castro decided to bench Ronaldo on Friday evening against the eighth-ranked side who were winless in their last three matches with two defeats and a draw.

In the absence of the big guns such as Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic and Sadio Mane, Al-Nassr huffed and puffed but could not break down a gritty Damac defence. Hence Castro was forced to introduce them to tilt the match in their favour. The changes did work in their favour as the Knights of Najd looked more fierce after their inclusion and finally reaped dividends as Laporte scored in stoppage time from a Brozovic corner to hand his team the victory.

After the match, Ronaldo took to Instagram and wrote: "Another important win! 💪".

Al-Nassr are chasing Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League championship race but find themselves 12 points behind with just seven matchdays remaining. Ronaldo's message makes it evident that they are not giving up on the chase and are geared up to finish the season on a perfect note by winning the remaining matches. Nonetheless, the Saudi League goes into a brief pause and the 39-year-old will be back in action in the Super Cup against Al-Hilal on Monday evening in their bid to seal a berth in the final.