Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of continental success with Al-Nassr continues as the Saudi Arabian club faces Esteghlal of Tehran in the two-legged Round of 16 tie of the Asian Champions League on Monday.
Victory would secure a place in the tournament’s last eight, furthering Al-Nassr’s ambitions of claiming their maiden title in the competition.
Since signing with the Riyadh-based club in December 2022, Ronaldo, 40, has yet to secure a major trophy. Despite his rich European pedigree, including five UEFA Champions League titles, his quest for silverware in Asia remains unfulfilled.
Domestically, Al-Nassr has struggled to keep pace in the Saudi Pro League. Their recent 2-1 defeat against Al-Orubah on Friday saw them slip to fourth place, increasing pressure on coach Stefano Pioli.
“We had many chances but could not score,” said Pioli. “We have a lot of games in a short period of time and only had two days’ rest before this game, and now we have to get ready for another one in the Asian Champions League.”
Ronaldo has been prolific in Asia, scoring six goals in the group stage, helping Al-Nassr secure third place in a 12-team pool behind two fellow Saudi Arabian clubs.
Al-Hilal's pursuit of fifth title
Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal, the dominant force in Asian club football, continue their quest for a record-extending fifth continental title. They face Pakhatkor of Uzbekistan in the Round of 16, having topped the group stage.
Boasting stars such as Portugal internationals Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, alongside Brazilian talents Marcos Leonardo, Kaio Cesar, and Malcom, Al-Hilal are strong favourites against their Uzbek opponents, who won just once in eight group-stage outings.
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Meanwhile, Al-Ahli, who finished second in their group, will meet Qatar’s Al-Rayyan. Ivan Toney, the former English Premier League striker, showcased fine form with a hat-trick in Al-Ahli’s recent 3-2 victory over Al-Hilal.
Elsewhere, two-time champions Al-Sadd of Qatar will lock horns with UAE’s Al-Wasl in another crucial knockout fixture.
Japanese clubs rise in the East
The eastern zone of the tournament, which remains divided by geography until the quarter-finals, presents a contrasting scenario. None of the eight teams from the region have previously won the competition.
Japanese clubs, however, emerged dominant in the group stages. Yokohama F. Marinos, led by former coach Kevin Muscat, are set to face Shanghai Port.
Kawasaki Frontale will travel to China to meet Shanghai Shenhua, while Vissel Kobe host South Korea’s sole representatives, Gwangju FC.
Additionally, Southeast Asian contenders Buriram United of Thailand will take on Malaysia’s Johor Darul Tazim, in what promises to be an engaging regional battle.
The final of the tournament is scheduled to be held in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on 4 May.
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