While Ronaldo was named the captain of the team, Anderson Talisca earned Al-Nassr a 1-0 home win.

Expectations for his debut were sky-high after his performance against Paris St Germain in a friendly on Thursday.

The Portugal international had a shot from the edge of the penalty area blocked early on in the first half, before being denied a penalty shout upon being wrestled to the ground by an Al Ettifaq defender in the 19th minute.

Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca put Al-Nassr ahead in the 31st minute, when he rose to meet Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem’s cross and planted a header past Al Ettifaq goalkeeper Paulo Victor.

Ronaldo’s best moment after the break came in a supportive role, as he played a cross onto the feet of Pity Martinez, whose first-time shot was tipped over the bar by Victor.

Victor was kept on his toes, as Al-Sulaiheem and Talisca forced him into saves with well-struck efforts from long range, but Al-Nassr were unable to find another goal.

“In the world of football there is one Cristiano Ronaldo and we are happy to have him with us. Ronaldo’s personality helped him to adapt with the team,” goalscorer Talisca told Saudi Sports Channel.

Al-Nassr’s win moved them back into first place in the league standings on 33 points from 14 matches, after they were briefly overtaken by Al Hilal earlier on Sunday. Al Ettifaq are in 10th place.

Al-Nassr next face Al Ittihad in a Saudi Super Cup semi-final on Thursday.