Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Portugal on Thursday evening as Al-Nassr travelled to Europe for a pre-season friendly against Benfica.
The Portuguese superstar was involved from the off in Faro as Angel di Maria marked his return to Benfica with a first appearance back in Portugal.
Al-Nassr would have been hoping for an upturn in fortunes after slumping to a 5-0 defeat against Celta Vigo last time out, but soon found themselves behind.
Argentina World Cup winner Di Maria opened the scoring in the 22nd minute as Benfica sought to take early control against their Saudi opposition.
The 35-year-old's initial strike was soon followed up by a quick-fire brace from Ronaldo's national team colleague Goncalo Ramos as the striker found the back of the net twice in eight minutes.
Ramos capitalised on some lacklustre defence to double Benfica's lead in the 30th minute before adding a second less than 10 minutes later as the European outfit showed their superiority over their Middle Easter opponents.
Benfica were in cruise control as half-time approached and Di Maria highlighted his side's comfortability in the pre-season encounter as he playfully toyed with Ronaldo.
The Argentinian winger brought down a long-ball and chipped the ball over Ronaldo's head as the Portuguese tried to win back possession.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner evidently wasn't happy with this and quickly hauled Di Maria to the ground in a show of frustration.
Ronaldo shares a frosty relationship with Benfica given his roots at the club's Portugal rivals Sporting Lisbon and recently refused to comment on Di Maria's move to Roger Schmidt's side.
Speaking after Al-Nassr's recent victory over Farense he said: 'Di Maria to Benfica? I will not comment about it. If you asked me a question about Sporting, I would answer you, but on that I will not comment it.'
Al-Nassr pulled a goal back on the verge of half-time as Khalid Al-Ghannam scored against the run of play.
However, Benfica soon re-established their authority as Andreas Schjelderup added a fourth in the 68th minute following a swathe of half-time changes from the hosts.
Ronaldo was later subbed off in the 84th minute and received a warm welcome from Portuguese supporters inside the ground.
STORMDC
1177
Saudi league is better than MLS....siuuuuu😯😯😯😯
Hadcmnptu
862
Even A Division League of our Nepal is better than Saudi Pro League 😂😂
Messisuuuui
710
Yes.... Saudi leuge is better than MLS😅
DavidMessi1
695
“European football has lost value, only Epl is relevant…” Things have never been sweet since that statement
Gudiest
611
After all his egos he can’t even score a goal 🥅 even goncalo rasmos score, only to make mouth 👄
Bling22
580
Shameless cr7 only obsessed about Messi and mls and not focusing on the game. He was asking 5 mins that the whole time he had, what did he do????? Shameless cr7. Messi would remain the best and mls would be ever greater than saudi league.
FCBnmoses
549
Saudi pro🐪 is better than LMS😂
Anthony99
548
Celta vigo 5-0 Al nssr Benfica 4-1 Al nssr " EUROPE HAS LOST QUALITY " [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] this is not even the top team in europe and al nssr got bullied by them 😭
Iffy106
376
Even South Africa league is better than 🐪 Camel League
Chap Kim
375
It's obvious
Mangisha
347
Some of us don't hate Ronaldo. Man just boasts a lot. Or speaks way out of his lines. Nothing wrong with giving an opinion but their man takes those questions to raise himself and lower others. That's arrogance. And it always bites him back. Remember he said he wants to have most Ballon d'ors, most golden shoes, and checkmate Messi in a WC final...that he deserved it. He has neither of that. Messi who is all quiet and doesn't dig at people unnecessarily has all that. Humility and respecting others is vital in life.
ChiloWest
304
Blessed are my eyes for witnessing these two play football 🤩💪👑
Shmonny
282
Ronaldo: The Saudi League is better than the American League 😭
Sla1091
238
Who could remember the this pls?……the past and the Present tense 😬………..
Scottbrandy
230
Saudi League is the most toughest League 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Nikilong
202
Al Nassr was down 3:1 and coach wanted to substitute saudi is better than euro and wanted five mo minutes to equalize wat a goat n d match ended 4:1 for benfica
N-Clasiq
183
Words can hunt you .. That’s why Messi chooses to shut up and play the ball 😅
Rumawa
11
Who could remember the this pls?……the past and the Present tense 😬………..
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who could remember this?
smokyemergency
11
Saudi league is better than MLS....siuuuuu😯😯😯😯
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Didn't they beat MLS all star team 5:0?