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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>Al-Nassr will face UAE giants</li><li>Ronaldo set to return to starting XI</li><li>Missed last Saudi Pro League game through suspension</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Cristiano Ronaldo sends 'ready' warning to Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League quarter-final opponents Al Ain after serving Saudi Pro League suspension for controversial response to Lionel Messi taunts

Arabian Gulf League

Al-Wahda

Al-Ain

Saudi Pro League

Al Riyadh

Al Nassr FC

<p>Ronaldo was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-banned-fined-vulgar-response-lionel-messi-taunts-al-nassr-suspension/blt0edd4384c01dddc9" target="_blank">hit with one match ban</a> and a fine of 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) as punishment for aiming an obscene gesture at Al-Shabab fans on February 25. Al-Nassr won the game 3-2, but the result was overshadowed by <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-always-goat-silly-behaviour-petty-gestures-ruining-final-career-chapter/blt3cdb64ea989cd47b#cs42ccedf1c061450a" target="_blank">Ronaldo's controversial response to Lionel Messi chants</a> from the crowd, and he was suspended for their subsequent clash with Al-Hazm on Thursday.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Ronaldo sent an ominous message to Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League opponents on Instagram which suggests he is raring to get back on the pitch and add to his haul of 34 goals across all competitions in 2023-24. "<span>Ready for tomorrow 💪" the former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker wrote.</span></p><p></p><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4EGsm4tykN/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT RONALDO SAID

<p>Al-Nassr could only manage a 4-4 draw against Al-Hazm in Ronaldo's absence, which leaves them nine points behind leaders Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League title race. Ronaldo was, however, pictured in the stands at Al-Awwal Park, and looked visibly emotional when the home crowd sang his name during the match, having made a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-emotional-cristiano-ronaldo-fans-sing-name-suspension-gesture-lionel-messi-chants/blt8437fa8f6c37381a#cse10473eef4db76d0" target="_blank">new home for himself in Riyadh</a> since his surprise free transfer to Al-Nassr in January 2023.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Ronaldo and Al-Nassr will hope to establish a first leg advantage when they take on UAE giants Al Ain on Monday, with the return fixture scheduled to take place on March 11. Luis Castro's side have a league clash with Al-Raed to attend to in between those continental games as they bid to close the gap on Al-Hilal.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

Cristiano Ronaldo sends 'ready' warning to Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League quarter-final opponents Al Ain after serving Saudi Pro League suspension for controversial response to Lionel Messi taunts | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent out a warning to Al-Nassr&apos;s AFC Champions League quarter-final opponents Al Ain as he prepares to return from suspension.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends &apos;ready&apos; warning to Al-Nassr&apos;s AFC Champions League quarter-final opponents Al Ain after serving Saudi Pro League suspension for controversial response to Lionel Messi taunts

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