Al-Nassr 5-1 Al-Ain: Ronaldo on target in AFC Champions League win

Cristiano Ronaldo powered Al-Nassr to a convincing 5-1 triumph over Asian Champions League Elite holders Al-Ain on Tuesday.

The victory carried a sense of redemption for Al-Nassr as they avenged last season’s semi-final defeat to the same opposition on their way to lifting a second title in the competition.

Talisca fired the hosts into a fifth minute lead with a well-taken effort from the edge of the box before Ronaldo poked home his 908th career goal just after the half-hour mark.

Visiting defender Fabio Cardoso then deflected Angelo’s effort beyond Khalid Eisa to hand Al-Nassr a comfortable advantage at the interval.

Al-Ain did, however, pull one back early in the second half when Park Yong-woo’s strike struck the post and went in off the back of Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento.

But the result was put beyond doubt late on when Wesley curled home Al-Nassr’s fourth, before Talisca notched his brace in second half stoppage time.

Full time!! pic.twitter.com/kKmOtphojI

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) November 5, 2024

Data Debrief: Return of Ronaldo

After winning five Champions League across his glittering career, Ronaldo is now eyeing a first AFC Champions League crown with Al-Nassr.

The 39-year-old has six goals in eight appearances in the competition, with his goal against Al-Ain ending a three-game goal drought for Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo also registered a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 1.25 towards Al-Nassr’s 2.67 total, while also producing more shots (eight) and touches in the opposition box (nine) than any other player on the pitch.