In the thirdround clash of the Asian Champions League group stage, Al-Nasr from Saudi Arabia defeated Al-Duhail of Qatar with a thrilling 4-3 scoreline. The match showcased fast-paced action, tactical shifts, and late drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats from kickoff to the final whistle.
Early on, the game opened with a precise pass from Cristiano Ronaldo that helped unlock the defense. Anderson Talisca seized the moment and slotted the ball past the keeper, opening the scoring midway through the first half. The goal reflected the visitors’ intent to press high and control possession, while Al-Duhail looked to respond with quick counterattacks and set-piece opportunities that tested the Saudi side’s resolve.
After the break, Al-Nasr came out refreshed and determined to extend their advantage. The home side’s forward line delivered twice in quick succession, with Mane finding the net first followed by Ronaldo, widening the gap and signaling a commanding position for the hosts. The steps taken by Al-Nasr showed a blend of patient buildup and clinical finishing, making it clear that the team had done its homework tactically during the halftime interval.
The Qatari visitors regrouped and found two goals within four minutes, raising the stakes and forcing a tense finish. Yet in the 81st minute Ronaldo struck again, this time delivering a brace that restored breathing room for Al-Nasr and deflated the opposition’s hopes momentarily. The atmosphere then swayed toward a comfortable lead for the Saudi club as the clock ticked down, with players maintaining discipline and trying to close out the game efficiently.
As the contest neared its end, Michael Olunga added one last response for Al-Duhail, scoring to keep the scoreboard from feeling too one-sided. The final whistle confirmed a tightly contested victory for Al-Nasr, a result that reinforced their ambitions in this ACL campaign and added a memorable chapter to Ronaldo’s early tenure with the club. The outcome left both teams reflecting on what worked and what needed sharpening ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
With three group-stage matches completed, Al-Nassr sits atop the table with nine points, while Al-Duhail occupies third place with one point. Ronaldo has already contributed three goals and two assists in these three appearances, underscoring his impact in his first season with the Saudi side. The performance highlighted the versatile attacking options at Al-Nasr’s disposal and the value of combining star power with structured team play to compete at a continental level. The league’s broader context includes ongoing movements and transfers that are shaping the competitive landscape in the region, influencing how teams strategize for ACL duties and domestic commitments alike.
Reports from January 2 noted Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nasr on a contract worth 200 million euros per year, with additional bonuses reportedly extending to Ronaldo’s family. The arrangement reflected substantial investment in high-profile talent aimed at boosting performance on the field while expanding the club’s global profile and market appeal. This development sits against a backdrop where player-valuations in the Saudi league have seen notable shifts, including the downtrend in prices for players such as Neymar, Milinkovic-Savic, and Benzema, which have moved more than other contemporaries in the market.