Al Nassr faced challenges in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, starting their revamped Asian Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta in Iraq. Ronaldo, the team captain, did not travel with the squad to Baghdad due to a viral infection.
The club issued a statement noting that Ronaldo had been feeling unwell and was advised by the team’s doctor to rest at home, missing the match. They wished him a speedy recovery.
Despite a strong start, with full-back Sultan Al Ghannam scoring from Otavio’s pass in the 14th minute, Al Nassr failed to secure a win. The team had been eliminated from last season’s Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals by Al Ain. Ronaldo has yet to win a major trophy with Al Nassr since his move to the Saudi club.