Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return from suspension on Monday, aiming to rejuvenate Al-Nassr’s campaign and propel the Saudi Arabian club closer to clinching their inaugural Asian Champions League title.
Ronaldo, who was handed a one-game ban for a contentious gesture during a recent Saudi Arabian league encounter, missed Al-Nassr’s last match, which ended in a disappointing 4-4 draw against Al-Hazm. Despite his absence, Al-Nassr’s coach, Luis Castro, emphasised that individual errors rather than Ronaldo’s suspension were the primary factor behind the team’s defensive frailties.
Looking ahead, Al-Nassr is determined to shift its focus to the Asian Champions League, where they will face Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the quarterfinals, seeking a breakthrough in the continental competition.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal, boasting a record four continental titles, is gearing up for a highly anticipated clash against Al-Ittihad, the two-time champion, in an all-Saudi Arabia encounter on Tuesday. Despite missing Neymar, Al-Hilal is riding high on a wave of confidence, evident from their recent string of victories, including a 3-1 win over Al-Ittihad in their league encounter.
For Al-Ittihad, currently out of contention for the domestic title, the focus has shifted towards the Asian Champions League quarterfinal, recognising the importance of the upcoming clash against Al-Hilal.
In the eastern zone of the tournament, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will lock horns with Ulsan HD in an all-South Korean showdown. At the same time, Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan will square off against China’s Shandong Taishan, setting the stage for captivating encounters in the quest for continental glory.
As the tournament progresses, teams are gearing up for intense battles, each vying for supremacy and the chance to etch their names in the annals of Asian football history.