Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will face Al Ain in an AFC Champions League quarterfinal clash on Monday. Al-Nassr will be determined to return to winning ways after their 4-4 draw with Al-Hazm in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo, who missed the last Saudi Pro League game, will be back in action once again as the Portuguese is likely to lead the line for Al-Nassr on Monday. Ronaldo was suspended for one match by the Saudi Arabian Football Association due to his offensive gesture towards Al-Shabab fans.
The former Manchester United forward has already started preparing for this much anticipated game and the Saudi Arabian club definitely stands a chance this time to lay their hand on their maiden AFC Champions League title.
So far, it has been smooth sailing for Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League as Ronaldo has been instrumental in leading his club to the last eight. In six games so far, he has scored five goals and assisted one.
If Al-Nassr can come out unscathed in their quarterfinal fixtures against Al Ain, they could be pitted against fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad or Al-Hilal who will also be facing each other on Tuesday. Ronaldo has been in scintillating form, having been involved in a majestic 39 goals so far, and he will be the focal point when Al-Nassr take the field on Monday.
Ronaldo has shown no sign of stopping and will aim to add another trophy to his decorated trophy cabinet.
Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro did highlight Ronaldo’s absence, but he admitted that the team conceded goals due to individual mistakes.
“Ronaldo strengthens the team and ensures that the opponent respects you more but his absence had nothing to do with the result.
“The fact is that we are conceding too many goals and the problem is not organizational but due to individual mistakes.”
The AFC Champions League match between Al-Nassr and Al Ain will start on Monday at 9:30 PM IST. The match will be live broadcasted on Sports18, while the live streaming will be available on the FanCode app and website.
