Al Nassr endured their first defeat in this season’s Asian Champions League Elite on Monday, falling 2-1 to Qatar’s Al Sadd in injury time while star forward Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the stands.
Ronaldo, 39, was rested for the match in Riyadh with Al Nassr having already secured qualification for the knockout stages. The Portuguese captain, who has tallied 15 goals in 18 appearances this season, viewed the game alongside his mother Dolores Aveiro and partner Georgina Rodriguez at Al Awwal Park.
AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif opened the scoring for Al Sadd eight minutes into the second half, breaking free from defender Mohammed Al Fatil before finishing past Brazilian goalkeeper Bento. Al Nassr equalized in the 80th minute through an own goal when Al Sadd defender Romain Saiss deflected Brazilian Wesley’s cross into his net.
The decisive moment came deep in injury time when Afif was fouled in the penalty area, allowing substitute Adam Ounas to convert from the spot in the 99th minute.
Despite the loss, Al Nassr remains third in the Western Region group stage, while Al Sadd climbs to fourth position, with both teams securing spots in the last 16. Meanwhile, Saudi side Al Ahli maintained their group lead despite losing their perfect record in a 2-2 draw with Iran’s Esteghlal, thanks to two penalties from England striker Ivan Toney.
The result marked a stark contrast to Ronaldo’s recent form, having scored doubles in both his previous Asian Champions League appearance against Al Gharafa and his latest Saudi Pro League match.
