Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr defeat Al Ahli to reach the final of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two.
Match Report
Al Nassr have managed to surprise everyone, establishing as one of the top teams in the Middle East. Not only do they stand as leaders of the Saudi Pro League, but they have also impressed in the AFC Champions League. As a result, they face Al Ahli Doha today in the tournament semifinals, aiming to reach the final and end their trophy drought. With this in mind, Cristiano Ronaldo and his goal-scoring impact are expected to play a major role.
Far from being an easy match, Al Ahli Doha arrive as one of the most solid teams in the AFC Champions League 2. While they have not impressed in the Qatar league, they have managed to show their best version in international competition, demonstrating strong attacking output led by Julian Draxler and Michel Vlap. However, they face the tough challenge of maintaining defensive solidity.
After major reinforcements at the start of the season and the arrival of Jorge Jesus, Al Nassr have managed to establish themselves as one of the top teams. While they have struggled in midfield, they rely on two key pillars: Iñigo Martínez and Cristiano Ronaldo, who provide solidity to the squad. In addition, João Félix leads much of the attacking play, alongside Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman, who excel at breaking down opposing defenses.
With both teams favoring an attacking approach, Al Nassr and Al Ahli Doha are set to deliver a highly entertaining match. Both sides are aiming to reach the final and move closer to winning the AFC Champions League 2 title, capping off their strong seasons. However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team holds a significant advantage: greater squad depth, which could allow them to change the course of the game and secure the win.
Line-ups
Al Nassr FC XI: Ronaldo, Brozovic, I. Martinez, Mane, Coman, Felix, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Mohamed Simakan, Bento, Nawaf Boushal, Ângelo
Subs: Sultan Al-Ghannam, Abdullah Alkhaibari, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Ali Al-Hassan, Nader Al-Sharari, Ayman Yahya, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Mohammed Marran, Saad Al-Nasser, Salem Al Najdi, Hayder Abdulkareem
Al-Ahli Doha XI: Driss Fettouhi, Draxler, W. Troost-Ekong, Michel Vlap, Erik Expósito, I. Diallo, Marwan Badreldin, Robin Tihi, Sekou Yansané, Ayoub Amraoui, Amidou Doumbouya
Subs: Othman Al-Yahri, Hilal Mohammed, Hamad Mansour, Nasser Ibrahim Al-Nasr, Khalid Radwan, Yazan Naim, Tilal Ali Ali, Ahmed Reyad, Islam Yassine, Mohammed Al-Ishaq, Suhaib Gannan, Younes Abdelrahman
malablata
53
The aura of Cristiano Ronaldo is the reason Coman got a hattrick. Once you play with the GOAT 🐐, you will do great things.
Sazdilnstu
32
I heard Saudi are trying all means for Ronaldo to win the league, are they the one influencing the Asian Champions league too? Don't freak out! Enemy will never appreciate your effort when you are doing great because they are bitter about it. However your hardworking will always prove them wrong. Ronaldo haters, cry more, we're enjoying your bitterness.
Sovoty
25
It's rare for Al Nassr to win this big without Ronaldo scoring or assisting any of the goals. He could do it in the final.