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The Portuguese legend left the match frustrated after being substituted early in the second half

Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustrations were once again on display as he stormed down the tunnel despite finding the net in Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al Kholood.

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The Portuguese superstar, who opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, was substituted after an hour, and his reaction has once again sparked questions about his temperament and relationship with manager Stefano Pioli.

Ronaldo unhappy with another early substitution

It’s no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo loves to play every single minute of football possible, but Pioli had other plans, choosing to withdraw his captain in the second half with Al Nassr already leading 3-0.

Ronaldo’s initial reaction seemed composed as he shook hands with Pioli and embraced teammate Jhon Duran. But the moment he walked off the pitch, his mood visibly changed.

The 40-year-old forward cut a frustrated figure as he headed straight down the tunnel, skipping the usual post-substitution routine of watching from the bench.

While some fans feared he was dealing with an injury, others believed it was yet another public display of Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction at not being allowed to finish the full 90 minutes.

This marks the fifth time in 24 league matches this season that Ronaldo has not completed a full game and the fourth time in seven matches that Pioli has substituted him, suggesting a clear shift in the coach’s approach to managing his minutes.

Al Nassr hold on to victory but title hopes fade

Despite Ronaldo’s early exit, Al Nassr managed to see out the win. Goals from the Portuguese as well as Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran, ensured they went into halftime with a comfortable lead, even after Nawaf Boushal’s red card left them playing with ten men.

However, Ronaldo’s absence seemed to disrupt the team’s rhythm, as they conceded an own goal in the 72nd minute through Ali Lajami. Luckily, Al Kholood were unable to find another goal, allowing Al Nassr to secure all three points.

Despite the win, Al Nassr remain fourth in the Saudi Pro League standings, with their title chances slipping away. They now sit ten points behind league leaders Al Ittihad with only nine matches left.

Their next match is also a massive clash against Al Hilal after the international break, where all eyes will be on whether Ronaldo’s frustrations boil over again.