20 September 2023
Ronaldo’s Struggle and Saudi Brilliance: Al Nassr’s Commanding Victory Sets the Tone in Champions League Opener
In a scintillating kickoff to their Asian Champions League journey, Al Nassr dazzled with a 2-0 triumph over Persepolis, soaring to the pinnacle of Group E, leaving Qatar’s Al-Duhail and Tajikistan’s Istiklol in their wake, as they settled for a goalless draw in Tehran.
The stage was set in the hushed confines of an Azadi Stadium devoid of Persepolis’ fervent fans, penalized by the Asian Football Confederation for an ill-fated social media post from 2021. A poignant absence for Iranian supporters, who yearned to witness the football maestros – Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Marcelo Brozovic. Remarkably, it was the Saudi Arabian stars who shone brightest, securing both goals.
At the 60-minute mark, Abdulrahman Ghareeb electrified the pitch, breaking the stalemate, while 12 minutes later, defender Mohammed Qassem etched his name into history, notching his first goal for the esteemed Riyadh club. Ronaldo, the chart-topper in the Saudi Pro League, had a golden opportunity in the 20th minute but directed his header straight into the waiting hands of the Persepolis goalkeeper, a moment etched in the hearts of fans.
Though the atmosphere in the stadium was subdued, the arrival of Ronaldo sparked a fervor among the locals. Hundreds surged into Al Nassr’s hotel, chanting the name of the 38-year-old Portuguese maestro, creating a joyful chaos that temporarily disrupted the team’s preparations.
This monumental clash marked the first time a Saudi Arabian team set foot in Iran since 2015, a historic moment following the restoration of diplomatic ties in June, thanks to a diplomatic coup orchestrated by China.
With this resounding victory, Al Nassr ascended to the summit of Group E, with Al-Duhail of Qatar and Tajikistan’s Istiklol in close pursuit. Only the top 10 group winners and the six most outstanding runners-up from the 40-team tournament will advance to the fiercely anticipated second round.
In the thrilling Asian Champions League encounters, Japanese champions Yokohama F. Marinos faced a bitter 4-2 defeat at home against Incheon United, while South Korean champions Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i prevailed over BG Pathum of Thailand with a commanding 3-1 scoreline. Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale clinched a nail-biting 1-0 victory against Malaysian powerhouse Johor Darul Tazim, and China’s Shandong Taishan exhibited their prowess with a 3-1 win against Kaya of the Philippines.
In another captivating match on Monday, Al Hilal, led by their star forward Neymar, were held to a gripping 1-1 draw by the formidable Uzbekistani club Navbahor. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad, despite missing their star striker Karim Benzema, displayed their dominance with a commanding 3-0 victory against AGMK of Uzbekistan.
Stats Recap:
- Goals: Al Nassr 2 – 0 Persepolis
- Shots on Target: Al Nassr 5 – 3 Persepolis
- Possession: Al Nassr 54% – 46% Persepolis
- Corners: Al Nassr 8 – 2 Persepolis
- Fouls: Al Nassr 12 – 17 Persepolis
