Baku, November 2, AZERTAC
Wasteful Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score as Al-Nassr gave up an early lead to secure only a point against champions Al-Hilal, according to Goal.com.
Al-Nassr started the game on the front foot as they took the lead in the very first minute of the match. Otavio set up a perfect ball for Talisca inside the Al-Hilal penalty box who took a touch and found the back of the net.
It took some time for the champions to get a grip on the game and had their first chance on goal in the 38th minute when Aleksandar Mitrovic received the ball from Kalidou Koulibaly and found the back of the net. However, the former Fulham star's effort was cancelled due to an offside.
Ronaldo, who had a couple of goal scoring chances in the first half, picked up a yellow card at the stroke of half-time after he made an unnecessary harsh tackle on compatriot Joao Cancelo.
Jorge Jesus' side started the second half with more intent as they looked determined to find the back of the net. They got their best chance to equalise in the 64th minute when Saudi Arabia international Salem Al-Dawsari launched a brilliant shot on goal, however, the ball came off the post. Renan Lodi attempted to finish from the rebound with a first-time effort but Bento did well to parry the ball out for a corner.
The all-important equaliser finally came in the 77th minute when Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic headed the all into the net. The move started with skipper Al-Dawsari setting up a brilliant ball for Lodi on the left edge of the penalty box with a sleek back heel. Lodi then floated a cross in front of the goal and the tall Serbian netted the equaliser and earned his team a point.
The Saudi champions will be next seen in action in the AFC Champions League on Monday as they take on Iran's Esteghlal.