Cristiano Ronaldo's team, Nassr, suffered a setback as they lost 1-0 to Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the first leg of their AFC Champions League quarterfinal.
Tension-filled and fierce, the match took place at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Monday.
In the 44th minute, Sofiane Rahimi scored the only goal, ending Al Nassr's remarkable run of eight straight victories in the continental championship.Oh, Al Ain, please let's spend more evenings like this. This was the evening that the most decorated club in the UAE welcomed the Saudi Arabian superstars of Al Nassr with their Hazza bin Zayed Stadium full of life and shaking, and sent them packing with a well-earned loss.
The game's lone goal was scored by Sofiane Rahimi, Khalid Essa twice managed to deny Cristiano Ronaldo, Aymeric Laporte was sent off in the closing moments, and Al Ain took the lead in the Asian Champions League quarterfinal.
The game's lone goal was scored by Sofiane Rahimi, Khalid Essa twice managed to deny Cristiano Ronaldo, Aymeric Laporte was sent off in the closing moments, and Al Ain took the lead in the Asian Champions League quarterfinal.
With eight games remaining in their greatest unbeaten streak in the continent's top club championship, Nassr was defeated by a show of resolve and composure from the 2003 winners. A very devastating play as well.
There is still plenty of tie remaining, if this full-blooded and fiercely competitive relationship is any indication, even after the first leg is finished.
It only emphasizes their win that Al Ain managed to win on Monday despite being without their main striker, Kodjo Laba. The Togo forward leads the Arabian Gulf League in scoring as of right now in 2023–2024. He has six goals in as many games in the Champions League.
However, Rahimi, the playmaker, led the line brilliantly in Laba's absence. After a suspenseful match, the Moroccan was named man of the match. His crew could have produced a lot more.
It only emphasizes their win that Al Ain managed to win on Monday despite being without their main striker, Kodjo Laba. The Togo forward leads the Arabian Gulf League in scoring as of right now in 2023–2024. He has six goals in as many games in the Champions League.
However, Rahimi, the playmaker, led the line brilliantly in Laba's absence. After a suspenseful match, the Moroccan was named man of the match. His crew could have produced a lot more.
World Cup winner Marcelo Brozovic, former Manchester United full-back Alex Telles, and prolific Brazilian Anderson Talisca—who has five goals in his last two games—were also absent for Nassr.
Luis Castro still had Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Portugal international Otavio, and Manchester City triple winner Laporte at his disposal despite others who had not traveled. The latter was a late addition to Nassr's team on match day and is the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations, the English Premier League, and the Champions League in Europe.
It was by no means Nassr-lite, especially with Colombia's top player David Ospina returning after an injury last season. However, Ronaldo was always supposed to be the main character.
Luis Castro still had Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Portugal international Otavio, and Manchester City triple winner Laporte at his disposal despite others who had not traveled. The latter was a late addition to Nassr's team on match day and is the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations, the English Premier League, and the Champions League in Europe.
It was by no means Nassr-lite, especially with Colombia's top player David Ospina returning after an injury last season. However, Ronaldo was always supposed to be the main character.
The Nassr captain's reputation and resume are so well-known that rival fans watch every move he makes and scoff at any error or misdirected pass. The Al Ain supporters weren't any different when the athlete tried to take a step over, tripped over the ball, and was quickly dismantled by a group of Al Ain midfield players.