TEHRAN - The highly anticipated AFC Champions League Round of 16 first leg between Esteghlal and Al Nassr concluded on March 3, 2025, with both teams settling for a goalless draw at the Azadi Stadium.
It was a match filled with missed opportunities, particularly for the Saudi Pro League side, Al Nassr, who were without their star player, five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. The absence was notable, as Jhon Duran, who was expected to lead the attack, struggled to fill the void left by the iconic forward.
Al Nassr started the match energetically, dominating the early proceedings. An early chance came when Angelo assisted Marcelo Brozovic, putting the Croatian midfielder in a prime position inside the six-yard box. Unfortunately for Al Nassr, Brozovic pulled his shot just wide of the right post, leaving the score at 0-0.
Esteghlal didn't take long to respond. By the 14th minute, midfielder Mehran Ahmadi found himself with space at the top of the box but squandered the opportunity by shooting over the bar. The Iranian side continued to press, as Ahmadi had another opportunity just two minutes later but failed to find the target again, sending his shot soaring high.
The first significant chance of the match came shortly after, when Jhon Duran was denied by Esteghlal keeper Seyed Hossein Hosseini after breaking through the defenses. Rouzbeh Cheshmi made sure to keep the follow-up from Aiman Yahyah at bay with a heroic headed clearance.
By the 25th minute, Saleh Hardani came close to scoring for Esteghlal but was thwarted by Al Nassr's custodian, Bento, who had been solid throughout. On the other end, Duran had another opportunity but saw his low shot blocked by Hosseini.
Just before halftime, Esteghlal found themselves lucky as Hosseini misjudged Ali Al Hassan's long ball, resulting in another chance for Sadio Mane, who pulled his shot agonizingly wide of the net.
Emerging from the halftime break with renewed aggression, Esteghlal attempted to capitalize but were left to rue missed opportunities. Both Armin Sohrabian and Ramin Rezaeian squandered clear headers—moments which could have changed the course of the match.
The match entered its later stages with neither side managing to find the back of the net. Duran, trying to establish his presence, nearly scored when Al Nassr took advantage of Esteghlal’s stretched defense on a rapid counter-attack. But once again, the forward’s effort was denied, this time with Hosseini tipping the ball over the bar.
Frustration grew for Al Nassr as, moments later, Brozovic set up Duran with another beautiful through ball. It seemed punchy as Duran managed to outsmart Hosseini but was denied by the right post from a tough angle, keeping the score at 0-0.
The game finished with no goals and neither side able to break the deadlock. Both esteemed goalkeepers put on impressive performances; Hosseini's series of saves ensured Esteghlal held on for the draw, whereas Bento matched him with key saves to keep Al Nassr off the scoreboard. The goalkeeper battle was pivotal, underlining how slightly different events could have seen the scoreboard reflect exciting progress for either side.
With the return leg scheduled for March 11, the tie remains tantalisingly poised. Both teams acknowledge the importance of goals, but Al Nassr must also grapple with the reality of playing without their talisman, Ronaldo. The pressure will continue to build in the lead-up to the next match where both teams will seek clear advantages for the quarter-finals.
This match showcased the fiercely competitive spirit of Asian club football, and fans can anticipate thrilling action once again when Esteghlal host Al Nassr for the second leg of this exciting Champions League fixture.