Monday evening will witness a showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard. As the 2023/24 season kicks off, Cristiano Ronaldo aims to guide Al-Nassr to a triumphant start against Al-Ettifaq. However, when he takes on Steven Gerrard’s team, the stakes might be even higher for the former Manchester United legend.

In the preceding week, Ronaldo showcased his prowess for Al-Nassr in the Arab Club Champions Cup final, netting two goals in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Al Hilal. His decisive winning goal, scored in the 98th minute, sealed an extraordinary comeback for his team.

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However, the Portugal international suffered an injury late in the game and was stretchered off the field in the 115th minute, seeming obviously concerned at the time before reconnecting with his teammates after the final whistle to join in the title celebrations.

Ronaldo is thus in a race against time to be fit for the start of the Saudi Pro League season, however the chance to make Gerrard eat his words may be just what the 38-year-old needs to overcome his ailment and lineup at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.

According to Birmingham Live, while at Aston Villa, Gerrard intended for his team to ‘exploit Ronaldo’s shortcomings’ during an FA Cup match versus United and underlined to his players that it was a method for his team to get an advantage on the day. The former Liverpool manager had even gone to great measures to ensure that his Villa players were aware of his strategy, with a monitor indicating ‘Expect Ronaldo to leave space’.

Gerrard had noted that Ronaldo had a habit of drifting away from his man when defending set-pieces, giving space for opponents to sprint into and attack the ball, perhaps outleaping the ex-Real Madrid hero because he would not have the impetus to win the aerial fight.