Cristiano Ronaldo netted an extraordinary goal during the initial moments of Al-Nassr’s thrilling 4-3 triumph against Al-Ahli.

In the early stages of Al-Nassr’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Al-Ahli, Cristiano Ronaldo scored an unusual goal that should have been disallowed, based on guidance provided to match officials. Ronaldo’s impressive brace played a crucial role in securing the win for his Saudi side against their title rivals in the Pro League.

Ronaldo and his teammate Talisca both notched up two goals each during the game, while Franck Kessie and Riyad Mahrez found the net for Al-Ahli. This matchup showcased some of the top acquisitions in the Saudi top-flight over the past year.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, guarded the visitors’ goal but had little chance to react to Ronaldo’s initial strike. This was mainly due to thick smoke in Mendy’s goalmouth caused by pyrotechnics set off in the crowd. As a result, Mendy’s visibility was severely compromised as Ronaldo received a pass from Sadio Mane and took a shot at goal.

Mendy can be seen diving late in a desperate attempt to block the shot, but the smoke was so dense that the goal frame was barely visible in video footage of the match.

According to IFAB’s Laws of the Game, the referee should have, at the very least, disallowed the goal or even considered halting the match earlier. Referees have the authority to suspend or abandon matches due to external interference under Law Five.

It is understood that referees worldwide are guided to stop matches when outside interference unfairly affects a player. Given the extent to which Mendy’s vision was obstructed by the smoke as Ronaldo made his run, it is reasonable to assume that he was significantly impeded.

Despite the controversy surrounding the goal, Ronaldo’s team managed to secure a two-goal lead and held a 3-1 advantage at half-time. Despite a late comeback attempt by the visitors, Al-Nassr clinched their fifth victory of the campaign.