Yesterday, Al Nassr suffered a 1-2 defeat in the AFC Champions League against Al Sadd, leaving both fans and players with a bitter taste.
In a shocking turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent as Al Nassr faced their first defeat in the AFC Champions League, falling 2-1 to Al Sadd in a dramatic match on Monday night in Riyadh.
The 39-year-old forward, who has been a key figure for Al Nassr this season, was rested for the game after the team had already secured their spot in the knockout stages.
Cristiano Ronaldo watches as Al Nassr suffers first AFC Champions League loss
With three group-stage matches still remaining, it was a calculated decision to give Ronaldo some well-deserved time off.
Ronaldo’s absence was especially noticeable after his recent performances, where he scored two goals against Al Gharafa and added another brace in their Saudi Pro League match on Friday.
Watching from the stands alongside his mother Dolores Aveiro and partner Georgina Rodriguez, the Portuguese star saw his teammates struggle to maintain their winning momentum without him.
The match turned just eight minutes into the second half when Akram Afif, the AFC Player of the Year, broke the deadlock for Al Sadd.
Showing his trademark pace, Afif collected a long ball from midfield, outran Mohammed Al Fatil, and finished coolly past Bento, Al Nassr’s goalkeeper.
Al Nassr managed to level the score in the 80th minute thanks to a stroke of luck. A low cross from young Brazilian Wesley was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Romain Saiss, the Al Sadd defender.
Group standings and upcoming challenges
However, as the match appeared to be heading for a draw, disaster struck in injury time. A foul on Afif inside the box led to a penalty, and Adam Ounas converted it in the 99th minute, sealing the win for Al Sadd.
⌛️ || Full time,@AlNassrFC 1:2 #AlSadd pic.twitter.com/XOZwMiRfy1
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) December 2, 2024
With the loss, Al Nassr remains in third place in Group B, while Al Sadd’s victory gives them a crucial boost in their push for the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli continues to lead the group despite dropping points in a 2-2 draw against Esteghlal, where Ivan Toney earned praise for scoring two crucial penalties.
