Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr powered to an impressive 5-1 victory against defending champions Al-Ain in Riyadh on Tuesday, severely denting Al-Ain’s chances of advancing in the Asian Champions League Elite. This win gives Al-Nassr their third victory in four matches, positioning them in third place in the group, just two points behind rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. Al-Ain, who eliminated Al-Nassr last season on their way to the title, now languishes at the bottom of the group with only one point from four games.
Al-Nassr asserted their dominance early on, with Anderson Talisca opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Talisca’s precise low shot from range found its way past Al-Ain’s keeper Khalid Eisa. Ronaldo doubled the lead in the 31st minute, seizing a chance after Eisa fumbled a shot from Sadio Mane. Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel added a third goal just six minutes later, with his deflected shot catching Eisa off guard.
Al-Ain managed a consolation goal 11 minutes into the second half when Park Yong-woo’s long-range effort hit the post and bounced off Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento, crossing the line. But Al-Nassr quickly regained control, with Wesley scoring in the 81st minute to extend their lead. Talisca capped the night with his second goal in injury time, sealing a decisive win.
In other group action, Al-Rayyan claimed their first points of the tournament, defeating Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor 1-0 with an unexpected goal from Hazem Shehata. His long punt intended for teammate Roger Guedes sailed past Pakhtakor’s keeper and into the net.
With three games left in the group stage, Al-Nassr is aiming to keep their momentum strong, while Al-Ain now faces an uphill struggle to salvage their campaign and hope for a place in the knockout rounds.
