Ronaldo did not help. Al Nassr loses in the first match of the AFC Champions League quarterfinals

Al Nassr contested the first leg of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals on Monday, March 4th, traveling to face Al-Ain from the United Arab Emirates.

In the opening half, Al Nassr enjoyed more possession, yet Al-Ain exhibited sharper attacks. Al-Ain appeared to have broken the deadlock in the 28th minute, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. However, just before halftime, the Emirati side managed to score a "clean" goal. Sufyan Rahimi, assisted by Kaku, netted in the 44th minute, sending both teams to the break with Al-Ain holding a narrow lead.

After the break, Al Nassr mounted stronger attacks, maintaining possession and creating chances. They fired seven shots towards goal and three on target. However, they couldn't find the breakthrough. In the 73rd minute, Rahimi appeared to secure a brace, but alas for the hosts, the goal was annulled for yet another offside.

Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside Al Nassr, fell to Al-Ain with a narrow scoreline of 0-1. Exactly a week later, on March 11th, the return leg will take place in Saudi Arabia.

AFC Champions League. Quarter-finals. First leg

Al-Ain - Al Nassr - 1:0
Goal: 1:0 - 44th minute, Rahimi