Al-Nassr falters without Cristiano Ronaldo in critical match
- Al-Nassr lost to Al-Sadd 2-1, marking their first loss in the AFC Champions League Elite.
- Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for the match, having performed well in previous games with five goals recently.
- The victory allowed Al-Sadd to secure a spot in the round of 16, showcasing their determination and strategy.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 1, 2024, Al-Sadd of Qatar secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Al-Nassr during the AFC Champions League Elite. The absence of star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested after scoring five goals in his last three games, had a significant impact on Al-Nassr's performance. The game's scoring opened with Al-Sadd's Akram Afif netting a goal just eight minutes into the second half. Despite a commendable effort from Al-Nassr, including attempts by players Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca, it was an own goal by Romain Saiss that leveled the score for Al-Nassr at 1-1. In a dramatic turn, Adam Ounas of Al-Sadd converted a penalty in the ninth minute of added time, sealing the win for his team. This result was pivotal for Al-Sadd as it ensured their qualification for the round of 16 in the tournament, moving them into a strong position in a tightly contested group where the top eight teams progress to the knockouts. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr, though already through to the next round, now faces the challenge of regrouping after this setback at their home stadium. Al-Sadd's coach, Felix Sanchez, praised his team's efforts, emphasizing their hard work to control the game and their ability to win on Al-Nassr's turf.