Saudi Arabia Striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored to help Al Nassr beat Istiklol Dushanbe 3-1 in the second match of Group E of the AFC Champions League on October 2.
Goals: Ronaldo 66', Talisca 72' & 77' - Sebai 44'.
Ronaldo's 66th-minute equaliser was his first in the AFC Champions League group stage, and his 11th in eight games. The goal came at a time when Al Nassr were struggling against their Tajikistani opponents, lifting the team's spirits. In the next 10 minutes, Anderson Talisca scored twice to complete the 3-1 comeback, maintaining the top spot in Group E.
Teammates celebrate with Ronaldo (number 7) after equalizing 1-1 in the match against Istiklol. Photo: Reuters
Al Nassr used a maximum of five foreign players in their starting lineup, according to tournament regulations, including strikers Ronaldo, Talisca, midfielders Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana and defender Aymeric Laporte. With a superior force, the home team had 83% possession in the first half, had nine shots, five of which were on target, but still fell behind at half-time. Istiklol, in a defensive position, only had one shot and scored late in the half. Senin Sebai entered the penalty area and fired past goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi, opening the scoring in the 44th minute.
Ronaldo and his teammates continued to put on tremendous pressure in the second half, finishing 18 times. But it wasn't until Ronaldo chipped the ball into the net in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov that the Al Nassr players' legs returned to their normal state.
Between the 72nd and 77th minutes, Talisca scored two goals with a header and a left-footed shot, sealing the 3-1 win. The 10th consecutive win helped Al Nassr maintain the top spot in Group E with six points after two matches. Following them is Persepolis, who have three points thanks to a 1-0 win over Al Duhail.
Saudi Arabian Premier League leaders Al Ittihad will not be able to play in the second match at Sepahan Stadium. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that the match was cancelled due to unforeseen reasons.
Middle Eastern media reported that the cause was due to tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Al Ittihad players refused to enter the field because the host Sepahan placed a bust of a late general on the pitch. The entire Al Ittihad team returned home immediately after the match was canceled.
Vy Anh
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