Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice as Al Nassr secured a 3-1 victory over Al Gharafa in Qatar on Monday, leaving the Saudi team just two points away from qualifying for the AFC Champions League last 16.
The 39-year-old Portuguese star initially struggled in the first half at Al Bayt Stadium, missing several chances. However, he redeemed himself just 50 seconds into the second half, heading in Sultan Al Ghannam’s cross to open the scoring.
Brazilian forward Angelo Gabriel doubled Al Nassr’s lead in the 58th minute and then set up Ronaldo for his second goal six minutes later, bringing Ronaldo’s tally to four in this season’s tournament.
Al Gharafa’s Joselu, a former teammate of Ronaldo at Real Madrid, pulled one back for the Qatari side. However, their comeback hopes were dashed when Seydou Sano was sent off for a second yellow card late in the game.
The win keeps Al Nassr unbeaten in their five group matches and moves them to second place in the Western standings of the 12-team table. They now need just two points from their final three games to secure a knockout spot.
Elsewhere, Al Ahli maintained their perfect record, defeating reigning Asian champions Al Ain 2-1 in the UAE. England international Ivan Toney came off the bench in the 65th minute to score twice within four minutes.
Toney’s first came from a Riyad Mahrez free-kick, followed by a composed finish from Mahrez’s long pass. Despite a late volley from Al Ain’s Kaka, Al Ahli secured their spot in the knockouts as group leaders with 15 points from five matches.
Iran’s Esteghlal were held to a goalless draw by Pakhtakor Tashkent in Dubai, leaving the Western standings tightly contested.
