Al-Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou hailed Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese star's goal against Al-Riyadh, insisting he delivered everything in just half an hour.
Al-Nassr thumped hosts Al-Riyadh 4-0 on Friday at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in the Saudi capital, in the second round of the Roshn League.
Twenty-one minutes after coming on as a substitute for the first time, Ronaldo netted his first goal of the season, and Al-Nassr's fourth of the match, in the 83rd minute. He turned in a low cross from Ayman Yahya with his left foot.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, in comments reported by Saudi newspaper "Al-Riyadiah", Postecoglou said: "Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period."
He added: "It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible."
The Australian also bemoaned the fatigue troubling his players amid a punishing fixture list at the start of the campaign.
He explained: "Playing 3 matches in 6 days is a challenge for us, and I congratulate the players on achieving victory in them. They are tired and not as ready as in previous matches, but they never stopped, and they pleased me with the quality of play."
Postecoglou also picked out the unsung hero behind the opening goal, scored by Abdulelah Al-Amri in the 18th minute after a corner delivered by Brazilian Angelo.
"I saluted Paul Nevin after Abdulelah Al-Amri's goal, because he specialises, along with Tony, the goalkeepers' coach, in set pieces," Ange said.
He concluded: "They worked hard for us to become a strong team in this aspect, and it is wonderful to make use of set pieces in matches."
Victory lifted Al-Nassr to 6 points, enough to top the Saudi Roshn League on goal difference ahead of Al-Hilal, who slipped to second.
You can discuss the topics and news in more depth in the Kooora forums