Al Nassr showcased their growing dominance in the 2025–26 campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Tajik champions Istiklol in the AFC Champions League 2. Despite resting Cristiano Ronaldo, coach Jorge Jesus’ side delivered a polished and powerful performance in Riyadh, maintaining their unbeaten streak across both continental and domestic competitions.
Ronaldo did not feature in the match, with Jesus choosing to manage the 40-year-old star’s workload following his spectacular bicycle-kick goal in a recent fixture. The Portuguese icon is being preserved for crucial away matches later in the season—a strategic move aimed at keeping him fresh for high-intensity encounters.
Al Nassr’s Tactical Depth on Full Display
With the team’s biggest name watching from the sidelines, Al Nassr leaned on their impressive squad depth. Joao Felix and Angelo spearheaded the attack, supported by an experienced bench that included Sadio Mane and Haroune Camara. The tactical setup worked flawlessly, resulting in a dominant four-goal performance that overwhelmed Istiklol.
Key Players Who Stepped Up
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Joao Felix
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Angelo
The comprehensive victory underlined Al Nassr’s versatility and strength beyond Ronaldo. Their ability to produce a top-level performance without their talisman highlights the balanced squad Jesus has built.
With this result, Al Nassr further solidifies its status as a leading contender in the AFC Champions League. Fans eagerly await Ronaldo’s return in the tournament’s later stages, where his experience, flair, and decisive finishing will be vital to the club’s ambitions.
