Ronaldo’s headlock tackle grabs attention in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 loss at Al-Hilal

Cristiano Ronaldo brought out the fierce competitor in him on Tuesday but his efforts were in vain as Al-Nassr failed to score in two consecutive fixtures in the Saudi Pro League and suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Al-Hilal.

A megastar of Ronaldo's stature invariably remains at the centre of attention even if he is on the losing side. The latest match was no exception as one of his tackles, which involved Ronaldo taking down Al-Hilal midfielder Gustavo Cuellar with a headlock in the 57th minute after having leaped into the air, was more talked about than the result. Ronaldo, however, got away with a yellow.

The defeat meant Al-Nassr stay at 53 points after 24 outings and now lag three points behind table-toppers Al-Ittihad who have a game in hand, while Al-Hilal trail Al-Nassr by four points and occupy fourth spot after 25 games.

Two goals through spot-kicks converted by former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo on either side of half-time decided the outcome as the home side ensured the visitors did not threaten much through their Portuguese talisman.

Ronaldo did come close to reduce the margin and stage a turnaround for his side but VAR overturned two incidents against his favour: his goal was ruled out for an offside in the 77th minute before a penalty decision six minutes later was overturned despite Ronaldo's freekick had gone on to hit the arm of an Al-Hilal player.

Ronaldo, who moved to Al-Nassr on a lucrative deal last January, was later taunted as he left the field with Al-Hilal fans waving Lionel Messi shirts.