A representational picture reveals Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo after being substituted throughout Asian Champions League match towards at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar on November 25, 2024. — Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from the stands as already-qualified Al Nassr misplaced for the primary time on this 12 months’s Asian Champions League (ACL) Elite as they had been overwhelmed 2-1 in harm time by Qatar’s Al Sadd on Monday.
The 39-year-old Portuguese star was reportedly rested for the fixture in Riyadh given the Saudi membership had secured their place within the knockout levels final week, with three rounds of the group part remaining.
The five-time Ballon d’Or award winner scored twice towards Al Gharafa, one other Qatari aspect, final trip, after which netted a double once more within the Saudi Professional League on Friday.
Nevertheless, the Al Nassr captain was omitted from Stefano Pioli’s matchday squad for the go to of Al Sadd.
Ronaldo, who has 15 objectives in 18 appearances for his membership this season, was noticed at Al Awwal Park sitting alongside his mom Dolores Aveiro and his associate Georgina Rodriguez.
Al Sadd took the lead eight minutes into the second half via Akram Afif, when the reigning AFC Participant of the 12 months raced from the midway line onto a protracted ball.
Afif outpaced defender Mohammed Al Fatil and ending low previous Brazil goalkeeper Bento.
Al Nassr drew stage on 80 minutes, as soon as Brazilian teen Wesley’s low cross was changed into his personal objective by Al Sadd defender Romain Saiss.
Nevertheless, there can be an enormous sting within the tail for Al Nassr, when Afif was tripped contained in the hosts’ penalty space and substitute Adam Ounas transformed from the spot within the 99th minute.
With the defeat, Al Nassr keep third within the Western Area group stage, whereas Al Sadd transfer fourth to additionally declare a spot within the final 16.
The highest eight groups qualify for the knockout levels.
Fellow Saudi aspect Al Ahli stay prime — even when they surrendered their 100% file on this 12 months’s event — because of an Ivan Toney double that secured a 2-2 draw with Iran’s Esteghlal in Jeddah.
It represented a second successive Champions League Elite match by which Toney has scored twice following his double final week towards Asian champions Al Ain.
