With Cristiano Ronaldo absent, Al Nassr was held to a goalless draw by Esteghlal in Tehran on Monday in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite last-16 tie.
Ronaldo, the Saudi club’s captain, was reportedly rested for the knockout stage opener. The 40-year-old Portuguese forward had played in Al Nassr’s shock domestic defeat to Al Orobah last Friday and remained in Riyadh for the continental clash.
In his absence, January signing Jhon Duran endured a frustrating night at the Azadi Stadium. The Colombian, recruited from Premier League side Aston Villa, failed to add to his two goals in the competition, missing several chances to put Al Nassr ahead.
Midway through the first half, Duran ran behind the Esteghlal defence but fired straight at goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini, with Ayman Yahya’s follow-up blocked on the goal line. Moments later, after being set up by ex-Chelsea winger Angelo Gabriel, Duran’s weak shot was easily saved by Hosseini.
Al Nassr continued to dominate possession and appeared poised to break the deadlock just before the hour mark. Former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic lofted a pass over the Esteghlal backline, but Duran’s attempted lob lacked power.
With 20 minutes left, Duran struck the base of the post from a tight angle, and minutes later, he blazed an effort high and wide from inside the box.
Al Nassr will look to secure victory when they host Esteghlal in Riyadh in seven days. Manager Stefano Pioli will be eager to have Ronaldo back, with the Portuguese star already netting six goals in five Champions League Elite matches this season.
In the other last-16 fixture of the night, UAE champions Al Wasl drew 1-1 at home with Qatari side Al Sadd. Ali Saleh gave the hosts an early lead, but reigning Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif set up Abdullah Al Yazidi’s equaliser with 22 minutes remaining. The return leg will be played in Al Rayyan next Monday.
