Cristiano Ronaldo Begins AFC Champions League Quest With Winner Against Al Rayyan

By Mohd Faisal Hakak On Oct 1, 2024

Al-Nassr recorded their first win of the AFC Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan. Cristiano Ronaldo again stole all the headlines by scoring a winner in the second half to hand a triumphant entry for new manager Stefano Pioli into the AFC Champions League.

Sadio Mane put Al-Nassr ahead in first-half stoppage time at Al Awwal Park, expertly heading in a brilliant deep cross from Sultan Al Ghannam. Ronaldo, returning to action in the AFC Champions League after missing the opening match against Al Shorta due to illness, had an early goal ruled out for a marginal offside at the start of the second half.

The former Real Madrid star increased Al-Nassr’s lead in the 76th minute, skillfully receiving a pass from Abdulrahman Ghareeb before curling a stunning left-footed shot into the net. After the goal, Ronaldo raised both hands to the sky in a heartfelt tribute to his father on what would have been his birthday. “Today’s goal has a different flavor. I wish my father was alive because today is his birthday,” said Ronaldo about his goal according to Fabrizio Romano.

The hosts faced a late scare when Roger Guedes found the back of the net from Ashraf Bencharki’s low cross at the back post. However, Al-Nassr managed to hold on, securing four points from their first two matches in the AFC Champions League.

Hard work pays off. Let's keep going! 🟡 pic.twitter.com/HXMkWZJCyF

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) September 30, 2024

The victory continues Al-Nassr’s strong start under new manager Stefano Pioli, who took over from Luis Castro after the opening Champions League draw against Al Shorta. Under Pioli, the Riyadh-based club has now won all four of their matches across all competitions.

Ronaldo set to extend his contract at Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to extend his contract with Al Nassr, as discussions about a new deal have commenced. His current contract is set to expire in 2025, coinciding with the end of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season. According to ESPN, both parties are optimistic about reaching an agreement soon.

The 39-year-old joined Al Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United, signing a lucrative two-and-a-half-year contract reportedly worth $200 million per year. Al Nassr is confident that Ronaldo will finish his career with them, and he has hinted that he may play his final match as part of the Riyadh-based club.

Earlier, Ronaldo also expressed his ambition to continue playing until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which would make him the first player ever to compete in six editions of the tournament.

Mohd Faisal Hakak

Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.