Nassr’s Portuguese ahead #07 Cristiano Ronaldo gestures on the pitch throughout the Saudi Professional League soccer match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (Picture by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence on Monday, when the Saudi membership kicked off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw in opposition to Al Shorta in Iraq.
Al Nassr captain Ronaldo didn’t journey with the squad for the match in Baghdad, with the membership issuing an announcement a day earlier than stating that the Portuguese celebrity had been recognized with a viral an infection.
Article continues after this commercial
Al Nassr, who had been knocked out of final season’s Asian Champions League within the quarter-finals by eventual champions Al Ain, got a dream begin within the Iraqi capital, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio’s astute, first-time cross on 14 minutes to complete low previous Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
READ: Ronaldo strikes to seal Portugal win over Scotland
Nevertheless, the hosts drew degree 10 minutes later.
A combination-up on the again between new signings Salem Al Najdi and former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan allowed Al Shorta ahead Mohammed Dawood to steal in and ship an excellent effort excessive previous Bento within the Al Nassr aim.
Article continues after this commercial
In the meantime, fellow Saudi aspect Al Ahli eked to a 1-0 victory at house to Iran’s Persepolis in Jeddah, with new recruit Ivan Toney making his Asian soccer debut.
Ivory Coast worldwide Franck Kessie set the house aspect on their approach within the second minute, rifling house from Riyad Mahrez’s help.
Persepolis had been awarded a penalty 4 minutes earlier than half-time when Merih Demiral was deemed to have dedicated a foul inside the world, nonetheless the choice was overturned following a VAR overview.
Within the second half, Toney received Al Ahli a spot-kick of their very own –- he was felled by rival defender Hossein Kanani — just for Mahrez’s penalty to be saved effectively by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.
England worldwide Toney, a high-profile signing late final month from Premier League membership Brentford, missed a golden alternative to open his account 5 minutes from time, however dragged his shot broad.
He had made his debut for Al Ahli final Friday.
READ: Messi, Ronaldo left off Ballon d’Or listing of contenders
Elsewhere, Al Ain started their title defence with a 1-1 draw at house to Qatar’s Al Sadd.
Akram Afif, 2019 Asian Soccer of the 12 months and participant of the match on the Asian Cup earlier this yr, opened the scoring at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on the hour.
However Al Ain earned a degree 10 minutes from time, by Argentine Matias Palacios.
In Monday’s different match, Iran’s Esteghlal noticed off Qatari aspect Al Gharafa 3-0.
The brand new format options 24 groups -– 12 from West Asia and 12 from East Asia.
With every membership taking part in 4 matches at house and 4 away, the highest eight in all sides of the draw progress to the knockout phases early subsequent yr.
