RIYADH — In a thrilling Round of 16 second-leg clash at Al Awwal Park on Wednesday, Al Nassr secured their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Al Fayha.
The triumph sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated showdown with Al Ain FC from the United Arab Emirates, as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
Right from the start, Al Nassr asserted their dominance, exerting relentless pressure on Al Fayha's defense. The breakthrough came 16 minutes into the game when Abdullah Al Khaibari delivered a precise cross, finding Otavio, whose header slipped through the legs of goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic, giving Al Nassr the early lead.
Maintaining their offensive intensity, Al Nassr continued to press, with Otavio coming close to extending their advantage. An impactful moment occurred when Cristiano Ronaldo, making a penetrating run, was brought down in the box, although appeals for a penalty were waved away.
Ronaldo's influence loomed large throughout the match, narrowly missing a goal with a header that struck the post. Despite a disallowed goal for offside shortly after the break, Ronaldo remained a constant threat.
While the second half saw fewer opportunities, Al Nassr retained control. Sadio Mane attempted to make an impact, but his efforts fell short. It was Ronaldo who ultimately sealed the deal in the 86th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Stojkovic to net his eighth goal in as many games, confirming Al Nassr's progression to the next round. The stage is now set for a high-stakes clash with Al Ain FC, promising another thrilling chapter in the AFC Champions League journey.
