AFC Champions League 2024-25: Cristiano Ronaldo ready for ACL action before 40th birthday

Cristiano Ronaldo turns 40 on Wednesday, but shows few signs of slowing down as he prepares to lead the Saudi Club al-nassr against al-Wasl in the Asian football Confederation Champions League Elite.

Live Updates | Al nassr vs al wasl live score, AFC Champions League

The Portuguese star, who signed for the Riyadh club in December 2022, leads the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 15 goals in 17 games.

If Ronaldo can reproduce this form in the continental tournament, there are two games left in the group stage, from which his team has already qualified-so have al-nassr a chance of becoming Asian champion for the first time.

“The best birthday gift to Ronaldo is to win a victory against al-Wasl,” said al-nassr coach Stefano Pioli ahead of the Monday meeting. “It’s an important match for us and we want the three points.”

After winning the UEFA Champions League five times with Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ronaldo’s chances of winning a first Asian title strengthened with Al-Nassr’s signature of Jhon Duran of the English Premier League Club Aston Villa for a reported fee of around USD 79 million last week.

Read more | Al-nassr signs Colombia tip Jhon Duran from Aston Villa

According to reports in Saudi Arabia, Duran has already been registered in time to play against al-Wasl from the United Arab Emirates. “Duran is in good shape,” Pioli said. “We will decide how we can best use him.”

The team will certainly be without the former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, which is absent for personal reasons. There are also injury problems for another defender, Ali Lajami, as well as Portuguese midfielder Otavio.

AL-NASSR is in third place in the 12-team group behind Saudi rivals al-Hilal and al-Ahli, both undefeated after six games.

Al-Hilal has won four continental titles, more than any other Asian club. Blues have lost Neymar prior to their fight against Persepolis of Iran. Brazil’s record scorer returned to South America last week after an injury-hit-tricking form of only seven 18-month appearances for al-Hilal.

“We look forward to the game,” said coach Jorge Jesus. “Our ambitions are always to win at home and in Asia.”

Al-Ahli, with former English Premier League stars like Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney, has the offensive strength to win the Champions League for the first time. Jeddah Club, currently second, heads to Qatar to take on al-Sadd.

All 12 teams in the western zone – the tournament are divided into two geographical halves until the quarterfinals – are with a chance to finish in the top eight and move on to the knockout scene.

The eastern zone will be resumed next week.