Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League campaign has been thrown a significant challenge following the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo during their first leg clash against Esteghlal at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium. The match, held on March 3, 2025, ended in a stalemate as both teams fought hard to advance to the next round of the highly competitive tournament.
Ronaldo, who has been a driving force behind Al-Nassr’s recent successes, was not part of the squad traveling to Iran due to safety concerns stemming from past experiences during the club’s previous encounters in the country. Al-Nassr had reportedly requested the match to be played on neutral ground, citing "Ronaldo’s bad experience in Tehran," as crowds once mobbed the team’s hotel during their visit against Persepolis back in September 2023.
Despite Ronaldo's absence, Al-Nassr managed to keep Esteghlal at bay during the match, showcasing commendable defensive skills. The night saw tense moments for both teams, particularly during the first half. The atmosphere was electric at the 78,116-capacity stadium, where Al-Nassr attempted to capitalize on several scoring opportunities. Colombian striker Jhon Duran, brought on for support, hit the post and had multiple attempts thwarted by Esteghlal’s goalkeeper, Hossein Hosseini.
Stefano Pioli, Al-Nassr’s manager, made several changes to the lineup, including starting Sadio Mane instead of Ronaldo, which highlighted the depth of talent within the squad. Throughout the match, Esteghlal displayed surprising resilience with their five-man defense, holding their ground effectively against the Saudi club’s advances. The lack of Ronaldo’s finishing prowess was felt, especially as Duran's attempts went unrewarded.
“Let’s go,” Ronaldo proclaimed on his Instagram before the match, extending his moral support to the team and fans alike. Nevertheless, it was evident the team missed his experience and leadership on the field, resulting in missed opportunities to break the deadlock.
Esteghlal had their shining moments as well, with goalkeeper Hosseini being undeniably pivotal; he managed to keep several shots at bay. The Iranian team came close to scoring, with wing-back Ramin Rezaeian prominently involved, heading attempts off the line as well.
Historically, Esteghlal has had previous success, having won the AFC Champions League twice, but they currently face challenges within their domestic league, sitting ninth with just six wins out of 21 matches. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, remains focused on not only advancing past Esteghlal but also addressing the gap to league leaders Al-Ittihad.
With the second leg of the tie set for March 10, 2025, Al-Nassr will look to make full use of the home advantage at their Riyadh headquarters. Expectations are high, with many fans eager to witness whether the team can successfully navigate this round without their star player.
Ronaldo’s presence continues to loom large even from the sidelines, as he currently ranks as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, having racked up 17 goals so far this season. His contributions have been invaluable to Al-Nassr, particularly during the AFC Champions League, where he has netted six goals already.
It remains uncertain how long Al-Nassr will be without their captain, but anticipation builds for his potential return. The club will also have to address the need for more consistent performances from its attack if they aim not only to progress through the Champions League but also to secure domestic glory.
For now, the team must forge on, learning from the tough draw and adjusting their strategies as they prepare for their next fixture against Esteghlal.