Al Nassr will host Al Rayyan at Al Awwal Park for Matchday 2 of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite. To secure their first win in the competition, coach Stefano Pioli has made a decision regarding Cristiano Ronaldoâs participation in the game.
On this occasion, the Portuguese will take no rest. After three days from his last game against Al Wahda for the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Al Nassr today.
In this yearâs debut in the AFC Champions League Elite, Al Nassr were able to get only one point after the 1-1 draw against Al Shorta. Standing in the 9th position, Ronaldoâs team is expecting a win to get into playoffs spots.
Todayâs game will be Ronaldoâs 10th game in the AFC Champions League Elite. So far in the competition, he managed to net 6 goals and provide 2 assists in 9 games.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Simakan, and Sadio Mane of Al Nassr celebrates winning after the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ettifaq and Al Nassr at Al Ettifaq Stadium on September 20, 2024 in Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo and Stefano Pioli want to keep momentum
After recovering from a viral infection, Ronaldo returned to the team and scored 2 goals in Al Nassrâs last three games. In Fridayâs SPL match against Al Wahda, he scored from the penalty spot, setting a record of 166 goals out of 196 penalty kicks, with an 84.7% conversion rate.
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The same goes for Stefano Pioli, who replaced Luis Castro after Al Nassrâs poor start. So far, the Italian has won all three games heâs coached and is looking to extend that run today in his AFC Champions League Elite debut against Al Rayyan.
Al Nassr confirmed lineup against Al Rayyan
Bento; Sultan, Mohamed Simakan, Aymeric Laporte, Salem Al Najdi; Abdullah Al Khaibari, Otavio, Sadio Mane, Anderson Talisca, Angelo; Cristiano Ronaldo.
