Al-Ain took a 1-0 lead over Al-Nassr in the first leg of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday, thanks to a late goal by Brazilian striker Caio. The hosts defended well and frustrated the visitors, who had two of their star players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Aymeric Laporte, in poor form.
Al-Ain score in the dying minutes
The match was a tight affair, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Al-Nassr had more possession and shots, but Al-Ain were more disciplined and organized. The deadlock was broken in the 88th minute, when Caio received a pass from Bandar Al-Ahbabi and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper. It was a cruel blow for Al-Nassr, who had dominated the second half but failed to find the net.
Ronaldo and Laporte disappoint
Al-Nassr’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals were largely pinned on their two big signings, Ronaldo and Laporte, who joined the Saudi club in January 2024. However, neither of them lived up to the expectations, as they were subdued and ineffective throughout the game. Ronaldo, who scored 12 goals in his first 10 games for Al-Nassr, was isolated and frustrated by Al-Ain’s defense. He had only one shot on target and was booked for dissent. Laporte, who was supposed to shore up Al-Nassr’s defense, was at fault for the goal, as he failed to clear the ball and allowed Caio to score. He also received a red card in the injury time for a reckless tackle on Al-Ahbabi.
Al-Nassr face uphill task in the second leg
Al-Nassr will have to overcome a one-goal deficit and the absence of Laporte in the second leg, which will be played in Riyadh on April 9. They will need to improve their finishing and creativity, as well as their defensive solidity, if they want to advance to the next round. Al-Ain, on the other hand, will be confident of holding on to their advantage and reaching their first AFC Champions League semi-final since 2017. They will rely on their defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat, as well as their home support, to seal the deal.