AFCON 2025
Al-Nassr secured their place in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Esteghlal at King Saud University Stadium on Monday.
The match began with Esteghlal’s Mehran Ahmadi attempting an early shot in the second minute, easily saved by Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento. However, Al-Nassr quickly asserted dominance, focusing their attacks through Cristiano Ronaldo.
The breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Esteghlal’s Seyed Hosseini misplaced a pass, allowing Jhon Duran to intercept and deftly lob the advancing goalkeeper, opening the scoring.
Ronaldo’s influence grew as he tested Hosseini with a powerful free-kick in the 18th minute. His persistence paid off in the 27th minute when he intercepted a poor back pass, setting up Sadio Mane, who was fouled in the penalty area by Mohammad Niknafs.
Ronaldo converted the ensuing penalty with a Panenka-style finish, doubling Al-Nassr’s lead.
Esteghlal’s situation worsened just before halftime when Ahmadi received a red card, reducing them to ten men. Al-Nassr capitalized on their numerical advantage, maintaining pressure throughout the second half.
Duran sealed the victory in the 84th minute with his second goal, a precise low strike, finalizing the 3-0 scoreline.
This win, following a goalless draw in the first leg, propels Al-Nassr into the centralized quarter-final tournament in Jeddah, scheduled from April 25 to May 3, as they continue their pursuit of a maiden continental title.
