Al Nassr continues to thrive in the AFC Champions League Elite, with the Saudi champions defeating Al Gharafa 3-1 in Qatar, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Al Nassr as they maintained their dominance in the AFC Champions League Elite, defeating Al Gharafa 3-1 in Qatar on Monday. The 39-year-old’s performances pushed Al Nassr closer to the last eight, with only two points needed from their final three group games. After Persepolis drew 1-1 at Al Rayyan, only Al Shorta, who has two points with four games remaining, can prevent Ronaldo’s side from progressing to the next round. Ronaldo, the captain of Al Nassr, had been doomed to play through an extremely frustrating first half at Al Bayt Stadium after a string of wasted opportunities.
When Sultan Al Ghannam’s cross was headed home from close range a little over 50 seconds into the second half, the Portugal star finally opened the score.
After that, with the help of Chelsea summer acquisition Angelo Gabriel, Al Nassr extended their lead after 58 minutes. Six minutes later, the Brazilian set up Ronaldo for his second goal.Before being removed at minute 74, the goal put the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus striker to four goals in this season’s renamed league.
With the help of Joselu, Ronaldo’s old Madrid teammate, Al Gharafa did manage to rally.
Six minutes before the end of regular time, Seydou Sano was sent off for a second bookable offense, ending their hopes of an unlikely late rally.Al Nassr will rise to second place in the 12-team table and remain undefeated after five games in the Western side of the draw thanks to the victory.
