Cristiano Ronaldo won hearts in Japan before kick-off and then helped Al-Nassr to a creditable 0-0 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in Osaka in a Tuesday exhibition.
In the lead-up to the clash at the Nagai Stadium, the 38-year-old had spoken a little of the language and played with local kids, creating two assists along the way.
The French champions provided tougher opposition but it was still an enjoyable occasion for all involved. Fans got a look at one of the legends of the game who showed off some of his skills, while Al-Nassr confirmed that they are a club of international stature as they moved their pre-season preparations up another level.
It was not just about the five-time Ballon D’or winner, though. Neymar was sat on the bench while Kylian Mbappe — the French star linked with Al-Nassr’s Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal — was left in France.
There was a new-look midfield for Al-Nassr, literally, as the team were sporting their new Nike kits, with Seko Fofana and Marcelo Brozovic lining up together, with recently appointed coach Luis Castro on the sidelines. The two players impressed.
The first to make an impact was, however, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the 23-year-old goalkeeper, who in the opening moments got across his line well to save a fine free-kick from Carlos Soler that was creeping into the top corner.
It was an important save given that Al-Nassr were coming off heavy defeats to Benfica and Celta Vigo in a Portuguese training camp.
PSG continued to have the best of the opening exchanges but it was striking that Al-Nassr, even when under pressure, looked to build up play calmly from the back, and they were soon starting to make inroads into the French half even if the final ball was lacking.
The final shot was also lacking for PSG as teenage forward Noha Lemina shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat midway through the first half.
It was then time for the Ronaldo show as the Portuguese star had attempts on goal with a shot on the turn and then a clever flick in the box that had goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma having to make a smart save, and then trying a bicycle kick that did not quite come off.
At the break it was goalless and so it stayed. As is common in such matches, there were a raft of second-half substitutions that robbed the game of its rhythm and slowed the tempo down. It seemed to suit the French team a little better.
Both teams pushed forward, with Al-Nassr’s new fullback Alex Telles coming off the bench, as they tried to give fans a goal to celebrate. It did not quite happen but there were plenty of positives for coach Castro to take.
After two heavy defeats, Al-Nassr gave a strong European team a good game. The defence was organized and looked fairly comfortable in possession, Ronaldo enjoyed himself and the new midfielders Fofana and Brozovic looked very settled and composed.
Brozovic will be looking forward to Thursday when the Yellows conclude their Japan visit with a game against Italian powerhouse — and his former club — Inter Milan in the same stadium.
