Ronaldo assists, Al Nassr won the AFC Champions League play-off match
Al Nassr beat Shabab Al Ahli 4-2 to win tickets to the AFC Champions League group stage, after scoring 3 goals in the last 9 minutes of the play-off match.
Al Nassr won tickets to the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2023/2024. (Photo: Al Nassr)
Al Nassr had the home advantage and got off to a dream start in the AFC Champions League play-off, opening the scoring against Shabab Al Ahli in the 11th minute. Talisca bounced high to hit the UAE team’s net after a corner kick from the UAE. Marcelo Brozovic.
However, Al Nassr could not create a smooth team play after an early goal and then was led by the opponent. Cristiano Ronaldo had to shake his head in disgust when he saw the home team conceding a goal.
In the 17th minute, Mu’nas Dabbur broke the offside trap and made a fake gesture that caused the entire Al Nassr defense system to fail, the assist line then helped Yahya Al Ghassani comfortably score a 1-1 equalizer.After 46 minutes, Shabab Al Ahli took the lead 2-1 right after the first serve of the second half. Yahya Al Ghassani passed Al Nassr’s defenders easily, then poked the tip of his shoe to knock out goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi.
Ronaldo was upset when the referee refused to pay a penalty. (Image: Getty)
Being in a disadvantageous position, Al Nassr attacked with all his might and forced Shabab Al Ahli to defend. The “deadly” play brought the visitors very close to victory, but everything changed quickly in the last 9 minutes.
In the 88th minute, Sultan Al Ghannam headed to equalize 2-2 for Al Nassr after Ayman Yahya’s cross from the left wing. Minutes 90+5, Ayman Yahya crossed the ball again and Talisca headed to make it 3-2.
Continuing the excitement, Al Nassr sealed a 4-2 victory at 90+7 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo passes the ball to clear the ground, Marcelo Brozovic shoots a shot into Shabab Al Ahli’s net.
Al Nassr won tickets to the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2023/2024 after a breathtaking chase. This is the fourth representative of the Saudi Arabian league to participate in Asia’s top arena, alongside Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Fayha.
Notably, if Al Nassr fails, perhaps the referee will be the focus of controversy in this match. The reason is because, Cristiano Ronaldo had 3 failed penalty claims in the first half and Sadio Mane had 2 similar situations in the second half.
C.Ronaldo did not score but contributed 1 assist for Al Nassr (Image: Getty).