Cristiano Ronaldo delivered another match-winning performance as Al-Nassr claimed their first victory in the AFC Champions League, defeating Al Rayyan 2-1. The win, which took place at the Elite group stage on Monday, came as a much-needed boost for the Saudi Arabian giants who are seeking their first Asian title.
Ronaldo’s Heroics in Riyadh
The Portuguese forward, who had sat out the 1-1 opening draw with Al-Shorta through a viral infection, was eager to make up for lost time. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had a first-half strike ruled out for offside but was his usual dominant self producing an assist. However, with 14 minutes left Ronaldo made it 3-0 by taking a quick sidestep onto his left foot and thumping an effort into the top corner to secure three points away.
This decisive moment was classic Ronaldo — his ability to rise in clutch situations was on full display, and his goal proved to be the turning point of the game.
Sadio Mané’s Crucial Role
But Ronaldo was not the only star in the sky for Al-Nassr. Ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mané scored the game’s opening goal moments before halftime, planting his header into the side netting. That goal was a result of his incredible air ability and anticipation, combining with a perfectly executed cross into the box.
Mane remained a silken presence across the attacking line to effectively unsettle Al Rayyan’s backline with his unreal experience of movement and renowned attacking intelligence on show throughout the entirety of 90 minutes. The burgeoning partnership between Ronaldo and Mané meant Al-Nassr were starting to look like the team to beat.
Al Rayyan’s Late Fightback
Despite Al-Nassr’s 2-0 lead, the game wasn’t without drama. Al Rayyan managed to pull one back in the 87th minute, with Roger Guedes scoring from close range. His goal created a tense finale, but Al-Nassr held their ground, withstanding the late pressure to secure all three points.
Ronaldo’s Offside Drama
Ronaldo’s performance was not without its frustrating moments. Earlier in the match, he thought he had opened the scoring, but his effort was ruled offside. The moment was a reminder of how close games can be, especially in a competition as tight as the AFC Champions League.
While the disallowed goal didn’t count, it was clear that Ronaldo’s sharpness and hunger for goals were intact, and he made sure to make his mark later in the game with a match-winning strike.
Riyad Mahrez Shines for Al Ahli
In other AFC Champions League action, Riyad Mahrez scored his first goal of the season as Al Ahli secured a 2-0 win against Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates. The Algerian winger, who joined Al Ahli from Manchester City in 2023, had been struggling with fitness but returned to form in spectacular fashion.
Nigeria went in front as early as the fourth minute when Riyad Mahrez scored from a long ball on box. He stayed in the game when he played for Roger Ibanez who gave Sassuolo a 2-0 lead heading into halftime. Both victories leave Al Ahli sitting pretty at the top of their group table guaranteeing a commanding position as it pursues progress to knockout rounds.
Other Group Stage Results
The Doha club’s victory over Iran’s Esteghlal was comfortable enough with Al-Sadd winning 2-0 in a result that wasn’t much of a surprise. In another match, Tehran’s Persepolis and Pakhtakor from Uzbekistan completed a 1-1 tie. Group,, is looking tough as well already with teams from both the West and East attempting to grab one of these eight spots in order to qualify for the round of 16.
FAQs
Al-Nassr won 2-1 against Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League, with goals from Sadio Mané and Cristiano Ronaldo securing the victory. Al Rayyan pulled one back late, but it wasn’t enough.
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive second goal for Al-Nassr, ensuring a 2-1 win in the AFC Champions League.
Sadio Mané scored the opening goal with a header just before halftime, playing a crucial role in Al-Nassr’s victory over Al Rayyan.
Roger Guedes scored for Al Rayyan in the 87th minute, capitalizing on a close-range opportunity to make it 2-1.
Al-Nassr will continue their AFC Champions League group stage campaign, looking to build on their first victory and secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Conclusion
The 2-1 win over Al Rayyan is a crucial one for al-Nassr in their AFC Champions League journey. As Ronaldo reignites and Sadio Mané steps up in support, the Saudis look primed to mount a first Asian challenge. Al Rayyan did rally a bit late in the contest but Al-Nassr’s defensive resolve and star quality took them over the line.
And who will stop them now as the tournament goes on and Al-Nassr become the toast of Asia — inexorably moving towards their holy grail of AFC Champions League success.
