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| Image: Daily Mail |
In a thrilling showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Al-Nassr orchestrated a dramatic comeback, securing a 4-2 victory against Shabab Al Ahli in a pulsating play-off match that propelled them into the group stage draw of the Asian Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a football legend whose reputation precedes him, led Al Nassr to a triumphant qualification for the Asian Champions League group stage. The stage was set in Riyadh on a fateful Tuesday evening, as Al Nassr's mettle was put to the test against a determined Shabab Al Ahli side.
The clash began with a crescendo of action. Anderson Talisca, the Brazilian virtuoso, executed a brilliant header from a Marcelo Brozovic corner, giving Al Nassr an early lead in the 11th minute. The jubilation was short-lived as Yahya Al Ghassani of Shabab Al Ahli responded just seven minutes later, equalizing with a composed finish after a swift counterattack.
As the halftime whistle blew, Ronaldo left the field with visible frustration, engaging in a heated exchange with the referee. The Portuguese maestro believed he should have been awarded two penalties during the first half, setting the tone for the fiery contest ahead.
The second half kicked off with a bang, as Al Ghassani capitalized on a defensive lapse to put Shabab Al Ahli in front with a sublime chip over Nawaf Al Aqidi. Al Nassr faced a two-goal deficit, their hopes hanging in the balance.
However, resilience fueled their spirits. With just minutes left in regular time, fate took a twist. A dramatic turn of events saw Sultan Al Ghannam's header turned into an own goal by Walid Abbas, rekindling Al Nassr's aspirations.
Then, as the tension escalated, Al Nassr's redemption arc reached its climax. In a moment of brilliance during the seven minutes of added injury time, Talisca rose above the chaos, guiding a precise header into the net from close range. The stadium erupted in jubilation as Al Nassr completed their comeback.
With the outcome hanging in the balance, Ronaldo demonstrated his iconic playmaking abilities. In a beautifully orchestrated sequence, he teed up Marcelo Brozovic, who unleashed a powerful shot that sealed Al Nassr's victory beyond doubt.
The drama wasn't limited to this match alone. In other fierce battles on the field, Sharjah of the UAE secured their passage with a resounding 3-1 win against Iran's Tractor FC. Navbahor Namangan of Uzbekistan exhibited unwavering determination, prevailing over Al Wakrah of Qatar with a 1-0 victory in extra time.
In a gripping showdown between AGMK Olmaliq of Uzbekistan and Qatar's Al Arabi, AGMK Olmaliq emerged victorious with a 1-0 triumph.
While the eastern half's spotlight will miss Brazilian midfielder Oscar, the likes of Ronaldo and his Al Nassr team continue to illuminate the Asian Champions League. Amidst the breathtaking action, defending champions Urawa Reds of Japan asserted their dominance with a convincing 3-0 win over Hong Kong's Lee Man Warriors.
Al-Nassr (4) vs (2) Shabab Al-Ahli full highlights. #AFCChampionsLeague #Talisca#CristianoRonaldo #Brozovic
— Sportsbuzz+ 𝕏 (@sportsbuzzplus) August 23, 2023
pic.twitter.com/MUKKOXQZcC
Ronaldo got heated at HT after he was denied multiple penalty shouts during Al-Nassr’s win yesterday.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 23, 2023
Wait for the shove at the end 😡
(via @ssc_sports)pic.twitter.com/EnDKsn5ZOO
Source: news18.com
#Ronaldo
#Al Nassr
#AFC Champions League
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