Ronaldo’s twin strike puts Al Nassr close to Asian Champions League quarters

Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliant performance helped Al Nassr edge closer to the knockout stage of the rebranded competition after a solid 3-1 victory at Al Bayt Stadium. The team now needs just three points from their remaining three group matches to advance.

The 39-year-old Al Nassr captain had a tough first half, missing several chances. However, he broke the deadlock just 50 seconds into the second half by heading in Sultan Al Ghannam’s cross. Angelo Gabriel, a summer signing from Chelsea, doubled the lead in the 58th minute and then assisted Ronaldo’s second goal six minutes later. This brought Ronaldo’s tally to four goals in the tournament before he was substituted in the 74th minute.

Al Gharafa pulled one back through Joselu, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, but their hopes of a comeback faded when Seydou Sano received a red card six minutes from full-time. The win keeps Al Nassr unbeaten in five matches and places them second in the Western standings, behind only Al Ahli.

Super-Sub Ivan Toney Shines for Al Ahli
Al Ahli maintained their perfect record with a 2-1 win over defending champions Al Ain in the UAE. England’s Ivan Toney came off the bench in the 65th minute and made an immediate impact. Five minutes later, he headed in Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick. Shortly after, he scored again, latching onto a long pass from Mahrez to seal the win.

Although Al Ain pulled one back with Kaka’s stunning volley, Al Ahli held on to secure their fifth straight win, leading the Western standings with 15 points.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, Iran’s Esteghlal played out a goalless draw against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor Tashkent, missing a chance to climb higher in the group.