Each year, clubs from the Middle East and North Africa compete in the Arab Club Champions Cup for the title. The Arab Football Association invited Al Nassr to this year’s competition, meaning he didn’t have to go through the qualifying rounds to get there.
From July 27 through August 12, a total of 16 teams competed in the competition. There were four groups of four teams each, and the winners of those groups advanced to the quarterfinals. Last time out, Al Nassr faced Zamalek, a more well regarded squad in terms of both technique and player distribution.
Ghislain Konan, a defender for Al Nassr, made a break down the left side and transferred the ball to Ronaldo, who scored from close to 10 meters out in the 87th minute, saving the team from elimination in the group stage. The match ended in a tie with a score of 1 goal each. Even though Ronaldo and his squad finished second in Group C, they still advanced to the knockout stage.
With one victory, one tie, and five total points, Al Nassr finished second in Group C, behind only Al Shabab. The Egyptian team, Zamalek, came in third place with four points and was therefore eliminated.
Saudi Arabia sent four teams to the quarterfinals, including Al Nassr, Al Shabab, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad. In the quarterfinals, Ronaldo and his side will face the Raja (Morocco) club on August 6.
Ronaldo is currently tied for second in the tournament’s scoring race with two goals. Al Ittihad’s attack was spearheaded by striker Karim Benzema, who scored three goals in three matches.
All three goals were game-winners, and Al Ittihad went on to win their group. On August 5, they will face Al Hilal in the quarterfinals.