Riyad: Much awaited contest between PSG led by World Champion Lionel Messi and Saudi side led by local favorite Cristiano Ronaldo ended up in a nine-goal thriller, where PSG defeated All Riyad XI by 5-4 with Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe all on the scoresheet.
It was a huge day for Saudi Arabia with a match which was entertaining for at least an hour as Messi scored in few minutes, Ronaldo won a penalty to equalize in 34th minute of the game, Ronaldo even equalized to Marquinhos goal in 45+6 minute. At the Half time both teams were locked at 2-2 giving fans some entertain moments.
Before the kick-Off both teams decide to deploy their strongest lineups with big 3s Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe leading the attack from the front for Cristopher Galtier’s (PSG manager) men whereas All Riyad XI build with the combination of two most successful Saudi Arabian teams Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr deployed Brazilian Luiz Gustavo, Talisca and the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, all Riyad XI also had some of the players who were involved in famous win against World Champions Argentina with likes of Al Owais, Abdulhamid.
First half also saw a red card, as Spanish left-back Juan Bernat was sent off in 39 minutes of the first half leaving PSG 10 men down for the rest of second half. This friendly was a part of the state-sponsored festival known as Riyad seasons, and what a game it was, with nine total goals, a red card and endless star power although second half witnessed end of the Ronaldo vs Messi clash in 60th minute with likes of Brazilian striker Neymar and Frenchmen and golden boot winner Mbappe being substituted.
This Second half also saw Sergio Ramos becoming highest goal scorer for PSG as a defender by scoring in 53rd minute and Korean Defender Jang Hyun-Soo of Al-Hilal, also scored for his side. The biggest miss of this game was from Brazilian Neymar who missed a Penalty kick in 45+3 minute of the first half.
This clash basically was a showcase of the clash of two football superstars hailing from different nations held in the Middle Eastern nation’s capital. The two teams will hope that good performance can motivate them further into the season’s competitive matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo got the man of the match for his double goal scored against PSG.
Seeing this contest between the two goats, who were playing for very last time against each other one could say that God himself scripted, game between two goats! As this contest gave the fan full entertainment and VIP’S who came spent $2.6 million for tickets to watch the game.
