Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved why he remains one of football’s brightest stars as he led Al Nassr to their first-ever win in the AFC Champions League. The Saudi club marked their debut in Asia's prestigious tournament with a hard-fought victory, thanks in large part to Ronaldo’s decisive contribution.
In a tense encounter, Ronaldo was at his best, finding the back of the net with a clinical finish that broke the deadlock. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s presence was felt throughout the game, as he constantly troubled the opposition's defense, showcasing his world-class skill, experience, and leadership on the pitch.
The match started with Al Nassr dominating possession, but their opponents, aware of Ronaldo's threat, defended resolutely. Despite creating several chances in the first half, the Saudi side struggled to break through until Ronaldo, in the 63rd minute, latched onto a precise through ball and slotted home with his trademark composure. The goal ignited celebrations among Al Nassr supporters, as the team shifted gears and took control of the game.
Ronaldo’s goal not only boosted his side's confidence but also sparked a flurry of attacks that saw Al Nassr come close to doubling their lead multiple times. Although the score remained tight, their defense stood firm against late pressure from the opposition, ensuring they secured all three points in this crucial opening fixture.
Ronaldo's performance drew admiration from fans and pundits alike, as he continues to deliver on the big stage, even after his move to Saudi Arabia. The victory puts Al Nassr in a strong position to advance from the group stages, as they look to make a deep run in the competition.
For Ronaldo, this goal adds to his already impressive tally in international competitions, further cementing his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats. His influence on Al Nassr is undeniable, as his leadership both on and off the pitch has helped elevate the club’s profile and ambitions in the region. Riyad Mahrez netted his first goal of the season, helping Al Ahli secure a 2-0 victory over Al-Wasl in the United Arab Emirates. This marked Al Ahli's second consecutive win, solidifying their strong start in the season.
With this win, Al Nassr will look to carry the momentum forward in their AFC Champions League campaign, with Ronaldo leading the charge as they aim for continental glory. The victory is not just a statement for the club but also for Saudi football, which has increasingly attracted global attention with high-profile signings and ambitious projects.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Al Nassr to see if they can continue their impressive form and potentially make history by lifting the coveted AFC Champions League trophy.
Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, latching onto a long pass from defender Roger Ibañez before finishing clinically from inside the box. Mahrez then turned provider, delivering a well-placed corner seven minutes before halftime, which Ibañez headed powerfully into the net to double the lead. This early dominance secured Al Ahli's 2-0 victory over Al-Wasl, marking their second consecutive win.
In other AFC Champions League action, Al-Sadd of Qatar triumphed over Esteghlal of Iran with a 2-0 win, while Persepolis of Tehran drew 1-1 with Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan. The competition features 24 teams divided into two groups of 12, with the top eight teams from each group advancing to the round of 16.
Upcoming AFC matches?
The next round of AFC Champions League Elite matches will take place from October 21-23, 2024, as part of Matchday 3. Some of the key fixtures include games like Tractor (Iran) vs. Mohun Bagan SG (India) and Ravshan Kulob (Tajikistan) vs. Al-Wakrah (Qatar)
Who scored the most?
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently Al Nassr's top scorer. Since joining the Saudi club in December 2022, he has scored an impressive 64 goals in 69 appearances across all competitions.
He
recently broke the Saudi Pro League record by scoring 35 goals in a single
season, surpassing the previous record of 34 goals set by Abderrazak Hamdallah
