Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr side were knocked out of the Saudi Super Cup on Thursday evening.

The Portuguese international was making his second outing for his new side in the match against Al-Ittihad.

Ronaldo failed to score on his Al-Nassr debut and was looking to get off the mark for the Saudi club.

But the 37-year-old failed to get on the scoresheet and could not prevent his side from falling to a 3-1 defeat.

Goals from Romarinho and Abderrazak Hamdallah gave Al-Ittihad a two-goal lead at the half-time interval.

Talisca's goal gave Al-Nassr a route back into the game, but any hope of them pulling off a comeback were extinguished in stoppage-time when Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti clinched victory for the home side.

Cristiano Ronaldo during Al-Ittihad 3-1 Al Nassr

Soccer Football - Saudi Super Cup - Semi Final - Al Ittihad v Al Nassr - King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia - January 26, 2023 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo lines up before the match REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Cristiano Ronaldo thrown under bus by Al-Nassr boss after Saudi Super Cup loss

It was not the greatest day for Ronaldo.

He failed to find the back of the net and, as he was walking off the pitch at the end of the game, was taunted with 'Messi!' chants by the home crowd.

Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo mocked with Lionel Messi chants after Al-Ittihad 3-1 Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr's manager, Rudi Garcia, then threw Ronaldo under the bus in his post-match interview.

Garcia pinpointed Ronaldo's failure to score a header in the first half as a moment which changed the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts during the Saudi Super Cup Semi-Final match between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr at King Fahd International Stadium on January 26, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

"One of the things that changed the course of the match was Cristiano's missed opportunity in the first half," he said, per the Daily Mail.

The missed opportunity Garcia is referring to came in the 42nd minute.

A cross was swung into the box and Ronaldo got their first, only to see his header from point-blank range saved by the goalkeeper.

Al-Ittihad immediately ran up the pitch and doubled their advantage. View the moment below...

Can't imagine Ronaldo will be too pleased with Garcia's comments.

Garcia went on to congratulate Al-Ittihad for their victory.

"I congratulate Al-Ittihad. They presented a much better first half than us, and we played a good second half, but unfortunately we were not able to adjust the result. It's true that we regret losing the Super Cup, but we are still the first in the league," he added.

Al-Ittihad will now play Al Feiha in the Super Cup final on Sunday evening.

QUIZ: At what club did these players start their professional career?

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.

To keep up to date with all our sports news, sign up to our weekly newsletter.

(Football Terrace)