39-year-old striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to help Al Nassr beat Qatari opponent Al Gharafa 3-1 in the fifth round of the 2024-2025 AFC Champions League.
At Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar on November 25, Ronaldo started, touched the ball 33 times, shot eight times with four on target and made two key passes. The Portuguese striker was voted the best player of the match and made way for Wesley in the 74th minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring during Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Gharafa at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar on November 25. Photo: Al Nassr
Ronaldo took his first shot in the 2nd minute, but the ball went weak and was caught by the home goalkeeper. In the 19th minute, Marcelo Brozovic skillfully backheeled the ball for Ronaldo to connect to the near corner, but it was blocked by Sergio Rico – former Sevilla and PSG goalkeeper. In the 34th and 44th minutes, respectively, the Portuguese striker wasted two good close-range opportunities, when he headed wide of the post and shot with his right foot and was blocked by an Al Gharafa player.
But less than a minute into the second half, Ronaldo opened the scoring with a cross-angle header that left Rico rooted to the spot. In the 64th minute, the 39-year-old striker received the ball in the penalty area, turned the ball, causing the home defender to slip, and then shot diagonally to complete his double. He raised his tally to 40 goals in 2024 and 913 in his career.
“We created a lot of chances in the first half, but we didn’t score, so we adjusted in the second half,” Ronaldo said after the match. “My goal is always to score and win. I dedicate this victory to the fans, the club and my supporters.” The 39-year-old striker also posted a series of photos of the match on social media with the message “Important victory tonight”.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel. Photo: Al Nassr
Yesterday, Ronaldo’s two goals were sandwiched between Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel’s. Al Gharafa only pulled one back through Joselu – former Real Madrid striker – in the 75th minute.
Similar to the UEFA Champions League, the AFC Champions League has also changed its format this season. Accordingly, teams will play eight group stage matches, with four away matches and four home matches. The eight best teams from each of the East and West regions will advance to the round of 16, scheduled to take place in March 2025.
Al Nassr , from the West Zone, are currently second with 13 points after five games. The Saudi Arabian club is 10 points ahead of ninth-placed team and is assured of a place in the round of 16 with three games remaining in the group stage.
In last season’s AFC Champions League, Al Nassr lost 1-3 to Al Ain (UAE) in the quarter-final penalty shootout. Ronaldo scored six goals, ranking third in the Golden Boot list, behind Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba (Al Ain), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al Hilal), Cryzan (Shandong Taishan) with eight goals each and Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain) with 13 goals.
