Cristiano Ronaldo scores to send Al-Nassr into the AFC Champions League Elite quarters, leading his team to a decisive 3-0 victory over Iran’s Esteghlal on Monday. The match showcased Ronaldo’s enduring talent as he continues to make his mark on the Asian football stage.
Despite joining Al-Nassr in December 2022 without yet securing a trophy, Ronaldo’s presence is undeniably impactful. He missed the first leg of this round of 16 tie, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate in Tehran, but returned to make a significant difference in the second leg.
In the 26th minute of the return match, the 40-year-old superstar netted his seventh goal of the tournament by converting a penalty, awarded after Sadio Mane was brought down in the box. This goal not only underscored his scoring prowess but also highlighted his crucial role in the team.
Earlier in the match, Jhon Duran set the tone by scoring the opening goal with a clever lob from the edge of the area, showcasing the attacking flair of Al-Nassr.
The game turned even more favorable for Al-Nassr just before halftime when Esteghlal’s Mehran Ahmadi received a second yellow card, leaving his team with ten players and significantly hampering their chances of a comeback.
Al-Nassr, aiming for their first Asian championship, sealed their victory with a third goal late in the match, as Duran struck again with a low shot for his second of the night, further solidifying their dominance.
In other news, two-time champions Al-Sadd from Qatar also advanced, defeating Al-Wasl from the United Arab Emirates with a 4-2 aggregate score, highlighting the competitive nature of the AFC Champions League.
FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience 
