Cristiano Ronaldo leads Al-Nassr to a 3-1 victory over Istiklol with his first goal in the Asian Champions League

Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo recently made his debut in Asia’s elite club competition, the AFC Champions League. On the second matchday, Al-Nassr hosted FC Istiklol from Tajikistan at Alawwal Park, securing a 3-1 victory on Monday.

Ronaldo’s equalizer and Talisca’s brace facilitated Al-Nassr to come back from a goal deficit to secure their second consecutive win in the competition. The Portuguese international has now scored his first goal for the Saudi Pro League club in the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo scores his first goal in the Asian Champions League

The Saudi Pro League giants welcomed the champions of Tajikistan, FC Istiklol, in their AFC Champions League Group E fixture on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo opened his goal tally in the AFC Champions League. 

Despite, dominating the statistical figures, it was the visitors who found the back of the net with a minute remaining in the first half. Senin Sebai made the difference in putting the club from Dushbane ahead with a goal lead. 

Istiklol managed to hold their slender lead until Ronaldo’s shot was blocked and ricochet landed at his feet to lift over the keeper into the net in the 66th minute. 

The 38-year-old captain’s goal inspired his team to come back from trailing down from a goal lead. Following a brace from his Brazilian teammate Talisca secured all three points for Al Nassr with a 3-1 scoreline. 

The yellow registered a second consecutive group stage win in the competition placing them at the top of Group E with 6 points. Next, they host Qatari outfit Al-Duhail on matchday 3rd. 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance at 38 in Al-Nassr is incredible

In January, Cristiano Ronaldo terminated his contract with Manchester United following a conflict of interest with Eric Ten Hag and made a surprising move to Saudi Arabia, joining the Riyadh-based Al-Nassr as a free agent until 2025.

Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr was followed by an exodus of stars from Europe joining Saudi clubs. Under the captaincy of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Al-Nassr has been cruising on a winning streak in all competitions in the 2023-34 season.

This season, Cristiano Ronaldo has featured in 10 games for Al-Nassr and has been involved in 17 goal contributions with 11 scored and 6 assists and also led his side to the Arab Cup champions title and helped to secure a Qualification in the group stage of the AFC Champions League tournament.