Ronaldo’s Assist Seals Dominant Victory for Al Nassr in AFC Champions League Qualifier – Match Analysis
Introduction: In a thrilling encounter, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his playmaking prowess as Al Nassr secured a place in the AFC Champions League group stage for the 2023-2024 season. Al Nassr’s dramatic 4-2 comeback win against Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) in the play-off round not only highlighted Ronaldo’s impact but also underscored the team’s determination to advance against all odds.
Match Highlights: Goals: Talisca 11′, 95′, Ghannam 88′, Brozovic 97′ – Ghassani 18′, 46′
With AFC regulations limiting the number of foreign players, Al Nassr’s selection was strategic. Among the five international players registered were stars like Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Ghislain Konan, and Anderson Talisca. Despite falling behind, Al Nassr staged an incredible comeback, netting three goals in the final nine minutes of the match, ultimately securing a 4-2 victory.
Ronaldo’s Playmaking Brilliance: Ronaldo may not have found the back of the net for the third consecutive match, but his role as a playmaker was undeniable. His crucial assist in the 97th minute set up Brozovic’s winning goal. Collecting the ball on the right side of the penalty area, the 38-year-old superstar delivered a pinpoint cross to the Croatian midfielder, who calmly slotted the ball with his left foot into the far corner of the net.
Ronaldo’s Controversial Moments: While his primary contributions came through assists, Ronaldo remained a focal point of contention throughout the game. He was involved in three penalty appeals, all in injury time, but the referee, Phó Minh (Fu Ming), waved play on. Additionally, Ronaldo’s frustrations were evident when he felt two consecutive penalty incidents for Al Nassr were overlooked by the referee. He also displayed moments of dissent, notably confronting a match official during halftime.
A Test of Character and Skill: The match highlighted the challenge Al Nassr faced against an opponent considered less formidable. Despite boasting a squad value of $164 million, nearly six times higher than Shabab’s, the game’s progression showcased a more balanced contest. According to the Opta Power ranking, Al Nassr was positioned 166th in the world, while Shabab stood outside the top 300.
Thrilling Turnaround and Qualification: The roller-coaster ride of the match saw early leads and swift comebacks. Brazil’s Anderson Talisca headed in the opening goal in the 11th minute, only for Yahya Al Ghassani to level the score seven minutes later. Shabab Al Ahli surprised everyone by going ahead early in the second half. However, Sultan Al Ghannam’s late header in the 88th minute equalized the score. The drama continued into injury time as Talisca and Brozovic sealed the 4-2 victory for Al Nassr, avoiding the need for extra time.
Looking Ahead: The AFC Champions League group stage draw is set for August 24th, featuring 40 teams divided into 10 groups across two regions. Al Nassr joins fellow Saudi Arabian clubs Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al-Fayha in the Western region. Meanwhile, the Eastern region will see Hanoi FC representing Vietnam. Should Hanoi FC advance to the final, they could potentially face off against Al Nassr and Ronaldo in a thrilling showdown.
