Cristiano Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr defeats defending champion Al-Ain 5-1 in AFC Champions League
Wednesday, 06 November 2024 | AP | Riyadh
Cristiano Ronaldo contributed significantly to Al-Nassr’s impressive 5-1 victory over the reigning champions Al-Ain from the United Arab Emirates in the AFC Champions League Elite. This win positions Saudi Arabian teams among the top three in the 12-team standings.
Al-Nassr currently holds 10 points from four matches, trailing local rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, both of whom maintain an unblemished record with four consecutive victories.
The scoring commenced early in Riyadh, with Anderson Talisca finding the net just five minutes into the match with a precise shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. Ronaldo then added his second goal of the tournament shortly after the half-hour mark, capitalizing on a rebound from goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, who had parried a shot from Sadio Mane.
Before halftime, the third goal was scored when a low cross from Angelo was inadvertently deflected into the net by Fabio Cardoso. Al-Ain managed to reduce the deficit ten minutes into the second half when Park Yong-woo’s shot struck the post and ricocheted off the back of diving goalkeeper Bento into the goal.
Late goals from Wesley and Talisca further solidified Al-Nassr’s dominance in the western zone group. The top eight teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages.
In the eastern zone, Vissel Kobe of Japan ascended to the top of their group with a 2-0 victory over Gwangju FC of South Korea, the previous leaders. Taisei Miyashiro converted a penalty in the 15th minute, and Daiju Sasaki secured the win with a goal after halftime.
Johor Darul Tazim of Malaysia claimed third place following a 3-0 triumph over two-time champions Ulsan HD of South Korea.
Just three days after celebrating their Chinese Super League title, Shanghai Port suffered a 3-1 defeat against Kawasaki Frontale of Japan.
