Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was felt as Al Nassr were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Esteghlal in Tehran on Monday in their AFC Champions League Elite last-16, first-leg clash.
Ronaldo, who captains the Saudi side, was reportedly rested for the crucial knockout tie after featuring in Al Nassr’s shock domestic loss to Al Orobah last Friday. Now 40, the Portuguese star remained in Riyadh as his teammates resumed their continental campaign without him.
Winter signing Jhon Duran was given the opportunity to lead the attack but endured a frustrating night at the Azadi Stadium. The Colombian forward, a high-profile January acquisition from Aston Villa, failed to replicate the form that saw him score twice on his tournament debut last month.
Duran had multiple chances to make his mark. In the 20th minute, he broke through Esteghlal’s defense but fired straight at goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini, with Ayman Yahya’s follow-up effort blocked on the goal line. Six minutes later, Duran was perfectly set up by former Chelsea winger Angelo Gabriel but produced a weak finish that Hosseini easily saved.
Al Nassr, dominant in possession, looked primed to break the deadlock just before the hour mark when former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic sent Duran through on goal. However, the forward’s attempted lob lacked power, allowing Hosseini to make another stop.
The Colombian’s frustration peaked in the 69th minute when, with the Esteghlal keeper out of position, he struck the base of the post from a tight angle. Minutes later, he wasted another opportunity, blasting his effort high and wide from inside the area.
Al Nassr, who defeated Esteghlal in the group stage, will now look to finish the job at home in Riyadh next week. Manager Stefano Pioli will be eager to have Ronaldo back in the lineup, given the veteran’s impressive record of six goals in five Champions League Elite appearances this season.
Al Wasl Held at Home by Al Sadd
Elsewhere, UAE champions Al Wasl were held to a 1-1 draw against two-time Asian champions Al Sadd at Zabeel Stadium.
Al Wasl started brightly, taking the lead just three minutes in when captain Ali Saleh finished off a brilliant cut-back. However, Al Sadd responded in the 68th minute as reigning Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif delivered a pinpoint cross for Abdullah Al Yazidi to head home the equalizer.
The two sides will meet again in Al Rayyan next Monday, with everything still to play for in the second leg.
