Cristiano Ronaldo's Journey with Al-Nassr: A Quest for the AFC Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo, since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, is yet to achieve glory with a major trophy under his belt. While some may discount the Arab Club Champions Cup, his real opportunity lies in the AFC Champions League Elite this year. Al-Nassr, currently nine points adrift from the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, are set to face Iran’s Esteghlal in the continental last-16 stage next week. With subsequent matches from the quarter-finals taking place in Saudi Arabia, this could be their golden chance.
Though head coach Stefano Pioli hasn’t quite attained the seamless team play desired, the team still heavily relies on individual brilliance in key moments. However, this could work in their favor in a cup competition. The arrival of Jhon Durán, who has already demonstrated his knack for scoring, might spell the difference for the squad alongside Ronaldo, who netted six times in the group phase.
Standing as formidable foes to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo are Saudi rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, both of whom are supported by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund. Saudi clubs collectively impressed during the group stages with 24 games, winning 19, drawing four, and losing just one.
On the western front, Al-Hilal concluded at the top despite recent domestic struggles and the absence of injured Aleksandar Mitrovic. Their knockout opponent, Pakhtakor, only advanced with a single victory out of eight games, finishing the group round 15 points behind Al-Hilal.
Al-Ahli boasts attacking prowess with Ivan Toney and Riyad Mahrez, likely having the upper hand against Qatar’s Al-Rayyan. Meanwhile, from the World Cup host country Qatar, Al-Sadd is poised to overcome Dubai’s Al-Wasl. Al-Ain, the expected Emirati representatives, shockingly finished at the bottom, resulting in the dismissal of coach Hernán Crespo and his successor Leonardo Jardim.
In the eastern realm, Japanese teams Yokohama F. Marinos, Vissel Kobe, and Kawasaki Frontale advanced effortlessly. None have previously claimed this title, a fate shared by other advancing teams like South Korea’s Gwangju, Thailand’s Buriram United, Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim, and the two Chinese contenders, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port.
Shanghai Port’s qualification comes with significant controversy and embarrassment. They ended in eighth place, slightly above the Pohang Steelers, whose record reveals only seven matches played—one less than Shanghai’s. Such discrepancies would likely provoke uproar if mirrored in European leagues.
The drama intensifies as China’s Shandong Taishan opted out of traveling to South Korea for their final group game against Ulsan HD last February 19, citing “serious physical discomfort of team members.” However, many speculate that the real fear stemmed from potential protests involving Tiananmen Square imagery or Xi Jinping’s likeness to Winnie the Pooh by Ulsan fans.