Thanks to its outstanding performance, Al-Nassr football club secured qualification as the leader of Group 5 in the AFC Champions League, following a goalless draw against Iranian side Persepolis at Al-Awwal Park Stadium. The match was filled with excitement and challenges, as Al-Nassr continued to compete despite an early red card.
Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo led his team with remarkable saves and continuous attempts to score. Despite numerous opportunities in the first half, the club couldn’t find the back of the Iranian goalkeeper’s net.
The game started with anticipation when the referee awarded a penalty to Al-Nassr after Ronaldo’s fall inside the penalty area. However, Ronaldo denied any foul and insisted the penalty shouldn’t be given. The referee utilized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to overturn the decision after confirming no wrongdoing.
#النصر يتعادل مع #بيرسبوليس (0-0) ويتأهل رسميًا إلى الدور الثاني✅#دوري_أبطال_آسيا
#النصر_برسيبوليس | #SSC pic.twitter.com/3feRO839gt— شركة الرياضة السعودية SSC (@ssc_sports) November 27, 2023
Al-Nassr faced a setback with the expulsion of their player Lajami in the 17th minute, but they continued to face Persepolis with high sportsmanship. Despite the draw result, Al-Nassr tops the group with 13 points.
With one more round remaining in the group stage, Al-Nassr is set to face Tajikistan’s Istiklol, while Persepolis will play against Qatar’s Al-Duhail. This outcome is a positive sign for the Saudi team as they progress toward the final stages of the continental championship.