Ronaldo-less Al Nassr Fall to Al Sadd in First ACL Defeat
Ronaldo Watches from Stands as Al Nassr Fall to Al Sadd in Injury-Time Thriller
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, watched from the stands as his already-qualified Al Nassr side suffered their first defeat in this year's Asian Champions League Elite, losing 2-1 to Qatar's Al Sadd in injury time on Monday.
Rested for the fixture in Riyadh, Ronaldo was omitted from Stefano Pioli's matchday squad, having recently netted doubles in matches against Al Gharafa and in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese star, who has scored 15 goals in 18 appearances this season, was seen at Al Awwal Park with his mother, Dolores Aveiro, and partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
Al Sadd took the lead early in the second half when reigning AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif broke away from the halfway line, outpaced defender Mohammed Al Fatil, and slotted past Brazilian goalkeeper Bento.
Al Nassr equalized in the 80th minute when a low cross from Brazilian youngster Wesley was inadvertently turned into his own net by Al Sadd defender Romain Saiss.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in injury time. Afif was fouled inside Al Nassr’s penalty area, and substitute Adam Ounas converted the resulting penalty in the 99th minute, sealing the win for Al Sadd.
Despite the defeat, Al Nassr remain third in their group, with Al Sadd moving up to fourth to secure a spot in the last 16. The top eight teams in the Western Region progress to the knockout stages.
Elsewhere, Saudi side Al Ahli stayed top of their group despite a 2-2 draw with Iran's Esteghlal in Jeddah. England striker Ivan Toney scored twice from the penalty spot, equalizing both times for the hosts. Esteghlal’s Mohammed Hossein Eslami was sent off late in the game.
Toney's double marked the second consecutive Champions League Elite match in which he scored twice, following his heroics against defending champions Al Ain last week.
