RIYADH – Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of silverware with Al-Nassr continues this week as the Saudi Pro League side faces Arkadag of Turkmenistan in the Asian Champions League Two quarterfinals. The match presents an opportunity for the Portuguese star to return to action after a period of reported discontent surrounding the club’s transfer activity.
The 38-year-old has been absent from Al-Nassr’s recent Saudi Pro League fixtures amid reports he was frustrated by the club’s spending, particularly following Al-Hilal’s acquisition of Karim Benzema last month. Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, along with Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, are majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a structure that has recently come under scrutiny.
The Saudi Pro League issued a statement emphasizing the independence of its clubs, asserting that “no player is bigger than the club or the league.” The league affirmed that while Ronaldo has been a significant figure for Al-Nassr since his arrival, individual players, “however significant,” do not dictate decisions beyond their own club’s purview.
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al-Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over reigning Saudi Pro League champion Al-Ittihad on Friday, demonstrating the team’s capabilities even without its star player. This win underscores a growing trend within the league, where investment in talent is rapidly changing the competitive landscape.
The broader Asian Champions League picture reveals a strong showing from Saudi teams. Al-Ittihad is the only Saudi club in the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite not to have secured a place in the round of 16, with two group games remaining. They face a crucial match against Al-Gharafa of Qatar on Tuesday, needing a win to guarantee progression.
Al-Hilal, despite recently losing Benzema to a move within the league, remains dominant in the western zone, boasting a perfect record of six wins from six matches. Coach Simone Inzaghi has the luxury of potentially resting players, given their already secured qualification. Al-Ahli has also guaranteed its spot in the knockout stage.
In the eastern zone, Vissel Kobe is the only team to have clinched qualification. Japan is poised to have three teams in the round of 16 if Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Machida Zelvia both win their upcoming matches. The pressure, however, is mounting on the three representatives from China, who currently occupy the bottom three positions in their respective groups.
Chinese champion Shanghai Port finds itself on the brink of elimination, sitting in last place. Chengdu Rongcheng and Shanghai Shenhua will both need victories to remain in contention for a spot in the next round. The performance of Chinese clubs is under particular scrutiny as the Asian Champions League continues to evolve.
Ronaldo’s situation at Al-Nassr reflects the broader challenges and opportunities presented by the influx of high-profile players into the Saudi Pro League. While the league aims to establish itself as a global force, balancing individual star power with the collective strength of the clubs remains a key objective. Wednesday’s match against Arkadag will be a significant test for Al-Nassr, and a potential stepping stone towards Ronaldo finally securing a trophy in Saudi Arabia.
The Asian Champions League Two quarterfinals represent a crucial juncture for several teams, with qualification for the next stage hanging in the balance. The competition is not only a test of on-field skill but also a reflection of the evolving dynamics of Asian football, as clubs from across the continent vie for continental glory.
