All eyes on Ronaldo as Al Nassr chases final spot against Al Ahli

Al Nassr players led by Cristiano Ronaldo leave the pitch after beating Al Wasl.

DUBAI, April 21: Zabeel Stadium in Dubai hosts a major semifinal clash today as Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr takes on Qatar’s Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League 2.

Al Nassr booked its place in the last four in commanding fashion, producing a dominant attacking display to defeat UAE side Al Wasl 4-0, reinforcing its credentials as a strong contender for the title.

Al Ahli reached the semifinals after a solid 3-1 victory over Jordan’s Al Hussein Irbid, delivering a controlled performance.

The fixture also places Al Ahli in direct opposition to Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of a first continental title with Al Nassr. Since joining the Saudi club in early 2023, the Portuguese forward has delivered strong individual performances but has yet to claim a major trophy with the team, apart from the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.

At 41, Ronaldo remains central to Al Nassr’s ambitions, with the club competing on multiple fronts, including a strong position in the Saudi Pro League, where they lead Al Hilal by eight points and Al Ahli by ten with five rounds remaining.

Al Nassr impressed in the quarterfinals, scoring early and decisively against Al Wasl, netting three goals within the opening 26 minutes of a 4-0 victory.

The winner of today’s semifinal will meet Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the final on May 17. The Japanese side advanced after defeating Bangkok United 4-1 on aggregate.