Al Nassr secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Esteghlal in the second leg of the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16, propelling them into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 aggregate score. The match, held at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh, saw the return of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been rested for the goalless first leg in Iran. Ronaldo’s presence proved pivotal as he netted a penalty and spearheaded Al Nassr’s attacking prowess. Jhon Durán, a recent acquisition from Aston Villa, marked his first goal in the competition with a brace, further solidifying Al Nassr’s dominance.
The Saudi Arabian powerhouse wasted no time in asserting their control over the game. Just nine minutes into the match, Durán showcased his skill by capitalizing on a loose ball near the Esteghlal penalty area. With a deft chip over the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini, he opened the scoring for Al Nassr. The goal injected confidence into the team and set the stage for a commanding performance. Al Nassr’s second goal came from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. Sadio Mané, the former Liverpool star, was brought down inside the box by Esteghlal midfielder Zobeir Niknafs, earning Al Nassr a penalty. Ronaldo stepped up and calmly slotted the ball down the middle, extending his tally in the AFC Champions League Elite to seven goals in six appearances.
Esteghlal’s woes compounded just before half-time when defender Mehran Ahmadi received a second yellow card and was subsequently sent off. Ahmadi’s dismissal further tilted the balance of the game in Al Nassr’s favor. Entering the second half with a two-goal advantage and a man up, Al Nassr continued to press for more goals. Durán came close to scoring his second on multiple occasions, first with a saved shot and then with a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar. However, his persistence paid off as he eventually found the back of the net with a low drive inside the near post, assisted by former Chelsea winger Angelo. Durán’s brace sealed a comfortable victory for Al Nassr and secured their passage to the next round.
In the other AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 match, Al Sadd, two-time Asian champions, advanced to the quarter-finals with a 4-2 aggregate victory over UAE champions Al Wasl. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Al Sadd dominated the second leg, scoring three goals in a rapid ten-minute spell to secure their progression. Fabio Lima’s early goal for Al Wasl proved to be a mere consolation as Al Sadd responded with goals from Mostafa Meshaal, Youcef Atal, and reigning Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif. The victory further cemented Al Sadd’s reputation as a formidable force in Asian football.
Ronaldo’s return to the Al Nassr lineup proved instrumental in their victory. His leadership, experience, and goal-scoring prowess provided a significant boost to the team’s performance. The Portuguese star’s penalty conversion demonstrated his composure and clinical finishing ability, while his overall presence on the field galvanized his teammates. Ronaldo’s contribution extends beyond his goal-scoring exploits. His leadership qualities and ability to inspire his teammates make him an invaluable asset to Al Nassr. His presence on the field elevates the performance of those around him, creating a more cohesive and effective attacking unit.
Durán’s impressive brace showcased his potential and marked a significant moment in his Al Nassr career. The young striker’s ability to find the back of the net twice in a crucial match demonstrated his composure and finishing skills. His first goal, a delicate chip over the goalkeeper, highlighted his technical ability and vision, while his second goal, a powerful low drive, showcased his clinical finishing. Durán’s performance solidified his place in the starting lineup and signaled his emergence as a key player for Al Nassr. His contribution to the team’s success will be crucial as they progress further in the AFC Champions League Elite.
