Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the stands as Al Nassr suffered their first defeat in this year’s Asian Champions League (ACL) Elite, losing 2-1 to Qatar’s Al Sadd in injury time on Monday.
The 39-year-old Portuguese star was rested for the match in Riyadh, as Al Nassr had already secured a spot in the knockout stages with three group-stage games remaining.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, had recently been in top form, scoring doubles against Al Gharafa in the ACL and the Saudi Pro League just days earlier.
Despite his impressive tally of 15 goals in 18 appearances this season, Ronaldo was left out of Stefano Pioli’s squad for the game. He was seen at Al Awwal Park alongside his mother, Dolores Aveiro, and partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
The match saw Al Sadd take the lead eight minutes into the second half when AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif raced onto a long ball from the halfway line, outpacing defender Mohammed Al Fatil, and slotting the ball past Brazilian goalkeeper Bento.
Al Nassr equalized in the 80th minute when a low cross from Brazilian youngster Wesley was deflected into the net by Al Sadd defender Romain Saïss. However, Al Sadd secured a dramatic victory in the 99th minute after Afif was fouled in the penalty area, allowing substitute Adam Ounas to convert from the spot.
Despite the loss, Al Nassr remains third in the Western Region group, while Al Sadd moved up to fourth, clinching their place in the last 16. The top eight teams from the group stages advance to the knockout rounds.
Elsewhere, fellow Saudi side Al Ahli maintained their position at the top of the standings despite a 2-2 draw with Iran’s Esteghlal in Jeddah. Ivan Toney scored twice for Al Ahli, continuing his strong form with back-to-back braces in the ACL, including his performance last week against defending champions Al Ain.
