Al Nassr Stumbles In Ronaldo’s Absence, Draws 1-1 In Asian Champions League Opener

Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo‘s absence on Monday when the Saudi club kicked off the made-over Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw towards Al Shorta in Iraq. Al Nassr captain Ronaldo did not journey with the squad for the in-form in Baghdad, with the club issuing a statement an afternoon before stating that the Portuguese celeb was diagnosed with a viral infection. Al Nassr, who were knocked out of the remaining season’s Asian Champions League within the zone-finals by way of eventual champions Al Ain, has been given a dream begin within the Iraqi capital, while complete lower back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio’s astute, first-time bypass on 14 minutes to finish low past Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

Al Nassr Stumbles In Ronaldo’s Absence, Draws 1-1 In Asian Champions League Opener

But the hosts drew stage 10 minutes later. A combination-up on the back between new signings Salem Al Najdi and previous RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan allowed Al Shorta forward Mohammed Dawood to steal in and ship a super effort high beyond Bento within the Al Nassr purpose.

Meanwhile, fellow Saudi facet Al Ahli eked to a 1-zero victory at home to Iran’s Persepolis in Jeddah, with recruit Ivan Toney making his Asian soccer debut.

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Ivory Coast global Franck Kessie set the home aspect on their way in the second minute, rifling domestic with Riyad Mahrez’s help.

Persepolis had been awarded a penalty 4 minutes earlier than 1/2-time, while Merih Demiral was deemed to have devoted a foul inside the region; however, the decision was overturned following a VAR evaluation.

Within the 2nd half, Toney received Al Ahli a gap-kick of their very own—he changed into felled by using rival defender Hossein Kanani—the simplest for Mahrez’s penalty to be stored properly by using Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.

England international Toney, a high-profile signing late last month from the most fulfilling League club Brentford, ignored a golden opportunity to open his account 5 minutes from time, however, dragging his shot huge.

He had made his debut for Al Ahli Ultimate Friday. Somewhere else, Al Ain began their title defense with a 1-1 draw at home to Qatar’s Al Sadd.

Akram Afif, the 2019 Asian soccer of the 12 months and player of the match at the Asian Cup earlier this year, opened the scoring at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium at the hour.

However, Al Ain earned a point 10 minutes from time, through Argentine Matias Palacios.

In Monday’s different suit, Iran’s Esteghlal noticed off Qatari side Al Gharafa 3-zero.

The brand new format functions 24 groups—12 from West Asia and 12 from East Asia.

With every club gambling 4 matches at home and four away, the pinnacle 8 in each side of the draw progresses to the knockout levels early in the subsequent year.