Simakan’s audacious finish sparks Ronaldo celebration at Al-Nassr

Mohamed Simakan scored an extraordinary backheel equaliser for Al-Nassr, prompting an animated celebration from Cristiano Ronaldo in the stands during their King’s Cup tie against Al-Diriyah.

The two sides met at Al-Awwal Park on Tuesday in the last 32 of the King’s Cup, with Ronaldo watching from the main stand because he was not yet ready to play.

Al-Diriyah made the quicker start and took the lead after only two minutes. Oscar Rodriguez converted a low cross into the net beyond Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento to put the visitors ahead.

Al-Nassr responded through France defender Simakan, who turned a low delivery from Portugal forward Joao Felix into the goal with an inventive backheel finish.

Simakan has scored several times for Al-Nassr, but most of his previous goals have come from headers. His latest effort was considerably more unusual, requiring both precision and improvisation to redirect Felix’s cross into the net.

The finish produced a strong reaction from Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr captain, who was following the game from the main stand, raised both hands in celebration as his team levelled the contest.

The moment was captured in video clips shared alongside the goal, which was described as a spectacular equaliser for Al-Nassr. The reaction offered a rare glimpse of Ronaldo celebrating from outside the action while his team-mates continued their cup campaign.

Ronaldo is hoping to lead Al-Nassr to the King’s Cup, a trophy he has yet to win. The club were eliminated in the last 16 of the competition last season after losing to their traditional rivals Al-Ittihad.

Simakan’s goal therefore carried added importance in a match Al-Nassr could not afford to begin slowly. Al-Diriyah’s early breakthrough had threatened to put pressure on the home side, but the defender’s unconventional finish restored parity soon afterwards.

Felix’s contribution was also notable, with his low cross providing the opportunity for Simakan to produce the decisive touch. Rather than attempting a conventional finish, the defender used his heel to guide the ball beyond the goalkeeper and bring Al-Nassr level.

Ronaldo’s absence from the pitch meant his response became one of the most striking scenes of the match. His presence in the stands, and visible delight at Simakan’s goal, underlined the significance of the equaliser for the Saudi Arabian club as they pursued progress in the King’s Cup.