Ronaldo watches from stands as Al Nassr suffer first ACL loss to Al Sadd

Cristiano Ronaldo, rested for the fixture, watched from the stands as Al Nassr suffered their first loss in this year’s Asian Champions League Elite, falling 2-1 to Qatar’s Al Sadd in injury time on Monday in Riyadh.

The Portuguese forward, 39, had been left out of Stefano Pioli’s matchday squad after Al Nassr secured a spot in the knockout stages with three rounds of group play remaining. Ronaldo, who has scored 15 goals in 18 appearances this season, recently netted doubles in successive matches, including Friday’s Saudi Pro League game.

Ronaldo attended the match at Al Awwal Park alongside his mother, Dolores Aveiro, and partner, Georgina Rodriguez.

Al Sadd took the lead eight minutes into the second half when Akram Afif, the reigning AFC Player of the Year, sprinted from the halfway line to beat defender Mohammed Al Fatil and scored past Brazilian goalkeeper Bento.

Al Nassr equalized in the 80th minute when Brazilian youngster Wesley’s low cross was inadvertently turned into the net by Al Sadd defender Romain Saiss.

However, Al Sadd snatched victory deep into stoppage time. Afif was fouled in Al Nassr’s penalty area, and substitute Adam Ounas converted the resulting penalty in the 99th minute.

The result leaves Al Nassr third in the Western Region group stage, while Al Sadd climb to fourth, both securing their spots in the last 16. The top eight teams progress to the knockout stages.

Fellow Saudi side Al Ahli maintained their position at the top of the standings despite a 2-2 draw with Iran’s Esteghlal in Jeddah. England striker Ivan Toney equalized twice for Al Ahli, scoring both goals from the penalty spot. His second penalty came in the 86th minute after Esteghlal’s Mohammed Hossein Eslami was sent off.

Toney’s double marked his second consecutive Champions League Elite match with two goals, following his brace last week against reigning Asian champions Al Ain.

The defeat marks a rare setback for Al Nassr, but their qualification for the next round ensures they remain in contention as the tournament progresses.