Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s leadership after their dominant victory over local rivals Al-Shabab.
The Riyadh-based outfit thrashed 10-man Al-Shabab in a comprehensive 4-0 win in the Saudi Pro League’s fourth round on Tuesday.
A Cristiano Ronaldo double as well as goals from Sadio Mane and Sultan Al-Ghannam secured Al-Nassr’s second consecutive victory after a poor start to the league campaign.
Following the game, Luis Castro hailed his side’s performance and highlighted Ronaldo’s incredible act to help his teammates.
Ronaldo, who converted two spot-kicks, gave up the opportunity to score his second hat-trick in August after Al-Nassr were awarded a third penalty.
The 38-year-old decided to let his teammate Abdulrahman Ghareeb take it instead but the latter failed to find the target from the spot.
“We controlled the game from start to finish and deserved to win,” Castro said in the press conference after the game.
“The team is developing quickly at the moment, especially after losing our first two games. But we worked hard to find the balance we needed in defence and midfield.
“I remember in our first game, we conceded a goal from 17 passes but today we quickly recovered the ball after just six passes and also created gaps in the opposition’s defence.
“Today Abdulrahman Ghareeb was given the opportunity [by Ronaldo] to take the penalty kick and I was happy about that because it shows the great spirit within the group,” he added.
Castro also asserted that Anderson Talisca will stay at Al-Nassr this season despite reports suggesting the Brazilian’s departure before deadline day.
“Did I ever mention that Talisca is leaving? He will be staying and I am the only one responsible for the decision.”