Sat Oct 05 16:51:10 UTC 2024: ## Ronaldo Leads Al Nassr to Victory in AFC Champions League
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League on Monday, securing the Saudi Arabian side’s second win in the tournament.
Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Al Nassr in the first half, heading in a cross from Sultan Al Ghannam. Ronaldo, making his first appearance in the rebranded Asian Champions League, had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half but eventually doubled the lead in the 76th minute with a beautiful left-footed strike. Al Rayyan pulled one back late in the game, but Al Nassr held on for the victory.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli, another Saudi Arabian club, secured their second consecutive win with a 2-0 victory over UAE champions Al Wasl. Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City winger, scored the opening goal and assisted on Al Ahli’s second goal, scored by defender Roger Ibanez.
In other matches, Qatar’s Al Sadd defeated Iran’s Esteghlal 2-0, while Iran’s Persepolis drew 1-1 with Pakhtakor FC.
The AFC Champions League Elite features 24 teams divided into West and East Asia. The top eight teams from each region will advance to the knockout stages early next year. The eventual winner will receive a prize of $10 million.
First Piper 