Eppe Franklyne –
- Cristiano Ronaldo turns 40 but continues to lead Al-Nassr’s attack, currently topping the Saudi Pro League with 15 goals in 17 games.
- Al-Nassr has already qualified for the AFC Champions League knockout stage and now aims for a first-ever Asian title.
- The team’s chances are boosted by the recent signing of Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, who could feature in the upcoming match against Al-Wasl.
- Al-Nassr will be without Aymeric Laporte and possibly other players due to injury as they face a crucial match against UAE’s Al-Wasl.
- The team is in third place in their group, trailing unbeaten rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, both of whom are strong contenders for the title.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his 40th birthday on Wednesday but shows no signs of slowing down. As he prepares to lead Saudi club Al-Nassr into a pivotal AFC Champions League clash with Al-Wasl, Ronaldo is enjoying a stellar season, leading the Saudi Pro League with 15 goals in 17 games. With Al-Nassr already through to the knockout stages of the tournament, the Portuguese star is poised to help the club chase its first-ever continental title.
Al-Nassr’s coach, Stefano Pioli, emphasized the significance of Monday’s match, calling a victory over Al-Wasl the “best birthday gift” for Ronaldo. The upcoming clash is vital as Al-Nassr looks to solidify their position in the group and push for success in the competition.
Ronaldo’s quest for an Asian title has been enhanced by the club’s recent acquisition of Jhon Duran from Premier League side Aston Villa, bolstering Al-Nassr’s attack. Duran, who has already been registered to play, is expected to feature in the match against Al-Wasl, with Pioli noting that the forward is in good shape.
However, Al-Nassr will be missing key players for this encounter, including defender Aymeric Laporte, who is absent for personal reasons, and potentially Ali Lajami and Otavio, who are dealing with injuries.
In the same group, Saudi rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli are unbeaten and ahead of Al-Nassr in the standings. Al-Hilal, with four continental titles to their name, is set to face Persepolis of Iran, while Al-Ahli, strengthened by stars like Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney, will travel to Qatar to face Al-Sadd.
The competition in the western zone of the tournament is fierce, with all 12 teams vying for a spot in the knockout stages. With the eastern zone resuming next week, the AFC Champions League is heating up as the region’s best clubs aim for glory.
