Riyadh XI 4-5 PSG: Ronaldo bags brace in Saudi Arabia debut

Cristiano Ronaldo played a fantastic first half but couldn’t prevent his side’s defeat against PSG.

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Riyadh XI 5-4 in their friendly match on Thursday. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored as they reunited for the first time since December 2020.

A Battle of GOATs!

The game started with PSG pushing for a quick breakthrough. It took Messi only three minutes to open the scoring for the Parisians.

Following a precise through ball from Neymar, the Argentine icon nodded the ball into the back of the net from inside the box.

Messi’s goal forced Riyadh XI to push for an equalizer. Following a foul on Ronaldo, the referee awarded the hosts a penalty. Ronaldo then made it 1-1 for his side with a powerful strike from the spot kick.

PSG managed to restore their lead when Marquinhos scored their second goal in the 43rd minute. But then came Ronaldo’s second equalizer for the hosts.

The Portuguese superstar’s brilliant header hit the far post, but he managed to convert the rebound with a confident shot.

Ronaldo’s former teammate, Sergio Ramos, was the game’s next goalscorer. The PSG defender made it 3-2 in the 53rd minute, but Riyadh XI, once again, came back into the game through Jang Hyun-soo.

PSG continued their attacks after both Ronaldo and Messi were subbed off before the hour-mark. Kylian Mbappe was the next to add his name to the scoreline.

The France international restored PSG’s lead as they went ahead 4-3. Riyadh XI then pushed to find their fourth equalizer of the night. But a goal from Hugo Ekitike secured the French side’s victory in the 78th minute.

The hosts pulled another one back when Talisca made it 4-5 with a late goal. But Riyadh XI didn’t have enough time to mount a comeback.

Ronaldo made a strong start to his career in Saudi Arabia, while PSG showcased their fantastic attacking form at King Fahd Stadium.