Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Al Ain in the AFC Champions League?
Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to return with Al Nassr as the Saudi capital-based team visits the United Arab Emirates to play Al Ain FC on Monday at 9.30 PM IST. Both teams will face each other in the first leg of AFC Champions League’s quarter-final.
Ronaldo has been an important figure for Al Nassr in the competition this season. The Portuguese scored five goals in six games, leading his team to top the group stage and defeating fellow Saudi contestant, Al Fayha.
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The former Manchester United star missed one game following a suspension from the Saudi football authority due to his offensive gesture in the Al Shahab match. It doesn’t stop there as Ronaldo was also fined for 30,000 Saudi riyals or £6,300 as a punishment.
Ronaldo’s absence had a significant impact on Al Nassr’s performance on the pitch as they failed to beat Al Hazm in the following match with a 4-4 draw at home. Before the upcoming game, the father of five sent a hint on his Twitter account, assuring he is fit for the game.
But Al Nassr coach Luis Castro has defended his squad, saying that Ronaldo’s absence and the draw are two separate things.
“Ronaldo strengthens the team and ensures that the opponent respects you more but his absence had nothing to do with the result,” said Castro via Times Now. “The fact is that we are conceding too many goals and the problem is not organizational but due to individual mistakes.”
Ronaldo will be a major boost for Al Nassr in their title-chasing mission in the AFC Champions League this season. The last time they took part in the competition was when losing to the eventual champions Al Hilal in the semifinal of 2021.