Prior to the Saudi Pro League match against Damac, the Cristiano Ronaldo was playing at an incredible level.
He had scored seven goals in three games, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Al-Tai and Abha, according to Goal.
On Friday night, though, Luis Castro made the decision to bring Ronaldo on the bench against the eighth-ranked team, who had lost two and drawn their previous three games.
With Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic, and Sadio Mane out of the picture, Al-Nassr puffed and puffered but was unable to win over a resilient Damac defense.
Castro was thus compelled to present them in order to sway the outcome in their favour. The Knights of Najd looked more formidable following the adjustments, and they eventually paid off when Laporte scored in stoppage time from a Brozovic corner to give his team the win.
After the match, Ronaldo took to Instagram and wrote: "Another important win!"
With just seven matchdays remaining, Al-Nassr is 12 points behind Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League championship race.
They are clearly determined to win the remaining games in order to cap off the season with a victory, as evidenced by Ronaldo's statement.
However, the Saudi League will take a short break, and on Monday night, the 39-year-old will return to play in the Super Cup as they attempt to secure a spot in the championship game versus Al-Hilal.
This is third successive season where Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. scored a goal
After Karachi, ICC pitch consultant will also visit Lahore and Rawalpindi
Ambassador Donald Blome gifts team with a commemorative embassy cricket ball, autographed softball bat
Inter Miami footballer shares adorable family pictures
Former Indian professional tennis player Sania Mirza turns out to be one of the most active celebrities on internet
Al Nassr, Inter Miami players are in intellectual footballer race