Al Nassr’s Mixed Start
Al Nassr faced a challenging opening match in the revamped Asian Champions League on Monday, managing only a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta in Iraq. The absence of star player Cristiano Ronaldo was keenly felt, as the Portuguese forward was sidelined due to a viral infection, leaving fans to wonder how his presence might have influenced the outcome.
The Saudi club’s journey in the Asian Champions League last season ended in disappointment when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Al Ain, the eventual champions. With high hopes of a stronger showing this year, Al Nassr aimed to start their campaign with a victory. They got off to a promising start in the Iraqi capital when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam opened the scoring in the 14th minute. After receiving a well-placed first-time pass from Otavio, Al Ghannam finished low past Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, igniting optimism among the traveling fans.
However, the celebration was short-lived. Just ten minutes later, a defensive error allowed Al Shorta to equalize. A mix-up between new signing Salem Al Najdi and former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan created an opening for Al Shorta’s Mohammed Dawood, who seized the opportunity and unleashed a powerful shot that soared past Bento in goal. This equalizer dampened Al Nassr’s early momentum and highlighted the need for defensive cohesion as they move forward in the tournament.
In a parallel match, fellow Saudi club Al Ahli secured a 1-0 victory against Persepolis from Iran, showcasing their resilience and determination. New signing Ivan Toney made his Asian football debut in this encounter, and the match unfolded dramatically. Kessie, the Ivory Coast international, put Al Ahli ahead in just the second minute, scoring from an assist by Riyad Mahrez. This quick goal set the tone for the match, as Al Ahli aimed to establish control early on.
The excitement intensified just before half-time when Persepolis was awarded a penalty after a foul by Al Ahli’s Merih Demiral. However, the decision was reversed after a VAR review, a moment that shifted the game’s momentum back to Al Ahli. In the second half, Toney was instrumental again, winning a penalty for Al Ahli after being fouled by defender Hossein Kanani. Mahrez stepped up to take the penalty, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz, leaving Al Ahli with a narrow margin to protect.
Despite having another chance to extend their lead, Toney missed a golden opportunity to score, dragging his shot wide just five minutes before the final whistle. This moment was a reminder of the pressure that comes with being a high-profile signing, as Toney continues to adapt to his new team.
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Meanwhile, defending champions Al Ain began their title defense with a 1-1 draw against Al Sadd of Qatar. Akram Afif, who was named the 2019 Asian Footballer of the Year, opened the scoring for Al Sadd in the 60th minute. However, Al Ain quickly responded, leveling the match ten minutes later with a goal from Argentine Matias Palacios, ensuring they started their campaign with a point.
In another notable fixture, Iran’s Esteghlal showcased their strength with a commanding 3-0 victory over Qatari side Al Gharafa, setting the tone for their ambitions in the tournament.
The new format of the Asian Champions League features 24 teams, evenly divided between West Asia and East Asia. Each club will play a total of eight matches—four at home and four away—with the top eight teams from each region progressing to the knockout stages early next year. This structure adds an exciting layer to the competition, ensuring that every match counts.
As Al Nassr looks to regroup after their draw against Al Shorta, the focus will be on improving their defensive coordination and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The absence of Ronaldo may have posed challenges, but the team must rally together to forge a successful campaign in this prestigious tournament. With many matches ahead, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the squad adapts and strives for success in the Asian Champions League.
