Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nasr showcased a strong performance as they defeated Istiklol from Tajikistan in a crucial AFC Champions League group stage clash held on home soil. The match showcased Al-Nasr’s attacking intent and tactical discipline, enabling them to secure a decisive victory that adds momentum to their continental campaign. Throughout the ninety minutes, the hosts pressed high, created chances and controlled large portions of the game, ultimately finding the back of the net three times while keeping Istiklol to a single reply.
The final scoreline finished 3:1 in favor of Al-Nasr, underscoring the visitors’ resilience in the face of a determined opponent. The atmosphere inside the venue was electric, with fans rallying behind the home side as opportunities were converted and the team’s rhythm grew more cohesive as the match progressed. This result strengthens Al-Nasr’s position in the group and reinforces their status as a force in regional competition as the season unfolds.
In a standout performance, Anderson Talisca struck twice to propel the winners toward victory, while Cristiano Ronaldo added another well-timed goal to seal the win. Talisca’s brace highlighted his attacking versatility and knack for finding space in crowded defenses, while Ronaldo’s goal added a finishing touch that capped a productive outing for the forward line. The two stars combined to stretch Istiklol’s defense and create multiple scoring opportunities that the visiting side found difficult to stop.
Istiklol’s head coach, Igor Cherevchenko, was unable to attend the match due to family reasons, leaving the team under the guidance of assistants who faced the challenge of containing a well-resourced Al-Nasr side with several high-profile players. The absence of the coach, while not altering the lineup dramatically, added an element of uncertainty for Istiklol as they sought to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm and respond with strategic adjustments throughout the game.
Earlier reporting from La Gazzetta dello Sport on September 16 indicated that Ronaldo had initiated legal action against Juventus over unpaid wages, a revelation that has added another layer to the ongoing conversations around player rights and contractual obligations in European football. The publication suggested there was a historical agreement that allowed Juventus to defer certain salary payments during the Covid-19 period, a move that reportedly required a final settlement of approximately 19.9 million euros should Ronaldo decide to depart the club. While Juventus and Ronaldo later pursued separate career paths, the financial details highlighted in the report continued to spark debate about how pandemic-era arrangements are handled in top leagues.
The Portuguese star eventually joined Al-Nasr, making the transfer on January 2, 2023, and signing a lucrative contract that positioned him as a marquee figure with substantial earning potential. According to the terms of his deal with the Saudi club, Ronaldo is reported to receive a substantial annual salary, complemented by additional bonuses tied to performance, appearances, and other commercial incentives that recognize his global market appeal. This arrangement has reinforced Al-Nasr’s status as a major destination for elite players looking to compete at the highest levels while expanding their profile in Asia and beyond.
Ronaldo’s opening goal in the match helped spark a run of form that contributed to Al-Nasr’s fifth consecutive victory, a milestone that reflected the team’s growing confidence and the forward’s continued influence on the field. The early strike set the tone for the night, with teammates following suit and maintaining pressure through sustained periods of possession and coordinated attacking play. Such performances not only lift the team in AFC competition but also boost morale as the campaign progresses through the group phase and toward the knockout rounds.