On Friday, former Real Madrid colleagues Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema squared off in a heated Saudi Pro League match.

There were goals, tension, and a stunning conclusion that left the spectators in disbelief. In a match that saw both football legends take the stage in different ways, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr against Benzema’s Al-Ittihad.

With much anticipation, the game began as both players put on their captain’s armbands. Because of their years of playing together at Real Madrid, the two gave each other a loving embrace in the tunnel as a sign of respect.

However, as soon as the game began, the amicable atmosphere immediately gave way to fierce competition.

The second half was when the anxiety peaked. Benzema demonstrated why he is among the league’s leading scorers by opening the scoring in the 55th minute. Two minutes later, Ronaldo made a spectacular comeback to tie the score for Al-Nassr.

However, when Benzema got into a furious altercation with Otavio, a midfielder for Al-Nassr, the game took an unexpected turn.

Tensions erupted, and it briefly appeared as though things would get out of hand. Ronaldo intervened at that point and served as a mediator. In a move that brought back memories of their time together at Real Madrid, he soothed Benzema.

Al-Nassr’s night ended in misery despite Ronaldo’s equalizer and his attempts to maintain harmony.

Ronaldo and his side suffered a crushing loss, falling 11 points behind Al-Ittihad to take fourth place in the league.

Al-Nassr suffered their second straight defeat, both in dramatic circumstances. They lost to Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League in the last minute earlier this week.

Ronaldo and his team now have time to reassemble as the Saudi Pro League begins a long winter break. In an attempt to spark their season again, they will play Al-Akhdoud on January 9.