Cristiano Ronaldo accused of 'losing mental & emotional side' by Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus after getting sent off for elbowing opponent in Al-Nassr’s Saudi Super Cup semi-final defeat

The Portuguese superstar is a born winner and has never been one to settle for second best. That mindset means that emotions can sometimes get the better of him, with his temper occasionally boiling over when fighting a losing cause.

That was the case in a semi-final showdown with Al-Hilal, with Ronaldo sent off in the 86th minute for elbowing an opponent. His fellow Portuguese, Jorge Jesus, said afterwards of seeing CR7 dismissed: “Ronaldo is an example and a role model for a large number of players in the world. He is not accustomed to losing in his career, and it is natural for him to lose his mental and emotional side when he loses.”

Al-Hilal were able to contain Ronaldo and Co for long periods, until Sadio Mane grabbed a 99th-minute consolation, and Jesus added of progressing through to another final: “I expected Al-Nassr to defend with five defenders, and we presented a match with a high tactical approach, and we excelled with technical and physical advantage. Our victories have continued in the absence of two big stars, Neymar and [Aleksandar] Mitrovic, and we could have won by more than two goals.”

After seeing another route to major silverware shut off, Al-Nassr will be back in action on Friday when facing Al Feiha in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo and Co have another semi-final to come, in the King Cup of Champions, and will take on Al-Khaleej in the last-four of that competition on May 1.