On March 10, 2025, Al-Nassr made headlines by defeating Iran's Esteghlal 3-0, securing their place in the AFC Elite Champions League quarterfinals. This remarkable victory came during the second-leg match held at the iconic King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh. Fans filled the stands, eager to cheer on their team, and they were not disappointed. Al-Nassr showcased stellar performance, especially from Jhon Durán, who was on fire, netting two goals within the opening and final parts of the match. He scored his first goal just nine minutes after the whistle blew, setting the tone for the game, and sealed the victory with another goal, coming right at the 84th minute.
Adding to the excitement, football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo made his mark by converting a penalty shot at the 27th minute, bringing the score to 3-0 and ensuring Al-Nassr’s triumph following a goalless draw from the first leg played earlier. With this win, they not only celebrated their victory over Esteghlal but also advanced to the quarterfinals, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the title. Their impressive performance throughout both legs underlines their skills and preparedness going forward.
Meanwhile, another Saudi club, Al Hilal, faced difficulties of their own just one day later, bringing the widespread excitement of the Champions League action down to earth for many supporters. On March 11, 2025, the club announced the omission of their star striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, from the matchday squad for their key clash against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor, due to health concerns. The former Newcastle and Fulham player had recently returned to form, having scored on his comeback just days prior, following recovery from a hamstring injury which sidelined him for 13 matches earlier this year.
The decision to rest Mitrovic came as Al Hilal, who had previously claimed the title four times, trailed 1-0 after their first leg encounter against Pakhtakor. Al Hilal's medical staff reported Mitrovic had been experiencing fatigue and irregular heartbeats, leading to the precautionary measure of observing his condition closely. Club officials stated, "The medical staff has decided to rest Aleksandar Mitrovic from training due to feeling fatigue and arrhythmias. He will be observed accurately by specialists, as his case will be monitored constantly." Al Hilal is hoping the situation is temporary, as they rely heavily on Mitrovic’s offensive prowess following his remarkable goalscoring record.
Mitrovic's signing from Fulham for approximately €50 million last August was viewed as substantial, considering his stellar performance during last year's Saudi Pro League where he scored 28 goals. This season has seen him continue his impressive form with 13 league goals across 14 matches and also five goals in the rebranded Asian Champions League, making his absence significantly felt as they fight to turn the championship tides. The Brazilian Marcos Leonardo was set to start as striker for Al Hilal during this match, filling the big shoes left by Mitrovic.
For both Al-Nassr and Al Hilal, the current chapter of the AFC Champions League is turning out to be eventful. Al-Nassr rides high on the wings of their recent success, with all eyes turned to how they can leverage this momentum to advance even farther. On the other hand, Al Hilal now faces not only the challenge of their upcoming task against Pakhtakor but also the pressing need to strategize and adapt without their leading scorer, which adds layers of difficulty to their quest for redemption.
Football fans around the world are eagerly watching how these two Saudi clubs will navigate the highs and lows of the Champions League. Al-Nassr, fresh off their remarkable win, could very well become the team to beat. Conversely, Al Hilal’s hopes now hang on their ability to push through the adversity brought on by Mitrovic’s health issue and work collectively to secure success. With both teams having different yet potent challenges to overcome, the next few matches promise to bring more excitement and uncertainty.