Al-Nassr and Iraq feel Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence as Asian Champions League match ends in stalemate

BAGHDAD — Al-Nassr struggled without Cristiano Ronaldo in Monday’s high-profile match in Baghdad, managing only a 1-1 draw against Al-Shorta in the revamped Asian Champions League.

Ronaldo, who did not travel with the team, was sidelined after being diagnosed with a viral infection, the club announced a day before the match. Al-Nassr, who were eliminated in the quarterfinals of last season’s Asian Champions League by eventual champions Al-Ain, took an early lead when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam converted Otavio’s clever pass in the 14th minute, finishing low past Al-Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

A fan outside Al-Madina Stadium in Baghdad expressed disappointment over Ronaldo’s absence, saying, “Honestly, we were really excited to see Ronaldo in Baghdad. It would have been a huge moment for Iraq, and we were all looking forward to it. We wanted to see him play so badly, and it’s really disappointing that it’s not going to happen.”

However, Al-Shorta equalized 10 minutes later. A defensive mix-up between new signings Salem Al Najdi and former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan allowed forward Mohammed Dawood to capitalize, sending a superb shot high into the net past Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper Bento.

The updated Asian Champions League format features 24 teams—12 from West Asia and 12 from East Asia—each playing four home and four away matches. The top eight teams from each region will advance to the knockout stages early next year.

Ahead of the match, Al-Nassr confirmed Ronaldo’s absence due to illness. In a post on X, the club stated that Ronaldo “wasn’t feeling well today” and was advised by the team’s doctor to rest in Saudi Arabia. The club wished their captain a speedy recovery.

Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, had previously been granted entry visas by Iraqi authorities for the match, which was moved from Karbala International Stadium to Baghdad’s Al-Madina Stadium following a decision by the Asian Football Confederation on September 12. Despite initial resistance from Al-Shorta, who had prepared to host the game in Karbala, the venue change was finalized.

Interest in the match was high, with tickets selling out rapidly. Some were resold on the black market for up to 150,000 Iraqi dinars (about $100), causing heavy congestion around Al-Madina Stadium. The Iraqi Football Association’s Security Committee stressed that only ticket holders would be granted entry.

Commenting on the effect of Ronaldo’s absence on attendance, a steward told AFP, “It’s disappointing that some fans didn’t show up because Ronaldo wasn’t playing. The Iraqi crowd should have been there for such a big event. Today’s match was supposed to be a major occasion.”

AFP and 964 media

+1