Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, started their Asian Champions League journey with a 2-0 victory over Persepolis in Iran on Tuesday. The hosts had to play with 10 men after Milad Sarlak was shown a second yellow card for stepping on Ronaldo’s foot in the 52nd minute.
Ronaldo then set up Marcelo Brozovic for a chance in the box, and Abdulrahman Ghareeb scored from his pass with a deflected shot in the 62nd minute.
Mohammed Qassem made it 2-0 for the Saudi Pro League side in the 72nd minute with a powerful shot from a tight angle on the left.
“We deserved to win tonight,” said Al-Nassr forward Sadio Mane, who praised their performance in the second half.
The match was played without any fans in the Azadi Stadium due to a ban imposed on Persepolis by the Asian Football Confederation two years ago. Ronaldo has been a popular figure in Tehran since he joined Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr are on top of Group E with three points, followed by Al-Duhail, who drew 0-0 with FC Istiklol in Tajikistan.
In Group A, Al Ain’s Kodjo Laba scored two goals and assisted another one as they beat Pakhtakor 3-0.
Laba opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a clever touch from Bandar Al Ahbabi’s cross. He then set up Khalid Al Baloushi for the second goal in the 25th minute with a pass after winning the ball in midfield. Laba completed his brace in the 65th minute with a stunning shot into the top corner from Park Yong-woo’s pass.
Al Ain are tied with FC Ahal, who upset Al Fayha 1-0 with Elman Tagayew’s long-range goal in the second half.
