Di Maria outshines CR7 as Al-Nassr embarrassed again

Despite being 35 years old, Angel di Maria proved he's a timeless player on Thursday. The Argentinian made his first appearance for Benfica, since his move from Juventus earlier this summer, and netted a stunning goal in the friendly against Al-Nassr, and their Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.

22 minutes in, the striker combined with Rafa Silva, who sent him back the ball, as he moved past new signing Marcelo Brozovic with an ankle-breaker, and managed to pull a goal out of thin air, with a right-footed strike, beating the goalkeeper across goal.

Di Maria celebrated his goal effusively and with good reason. The '11' outshone his former Real Madrid teammate CR7, who he faced again more than 5 years later. As well as his goal, the Argentinian managed to pull off a stunning flick over Ronaldo just before half time, in a clip that has gone viral, and earned him a hard shove from the Portuguese star.

Goncalo Ramos added a quick brace to Di Maria's goal, and although the Saudi side got one back, they were dominated by the Portuguese side. This is Al-Nassr's second defeat in two friendlies, after they were hammered 5-0 by La Liga side, Celta Vigo. Ronaldo and his teammates will come up against Ligue 1 champions, PSG, in their next match.

 

July 20, 2023