Al Nassr dispatched Al Zawraa SC 5-1 at King Saud University Stadium, reinforcing their pursuit of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ crown. The Saudi Pro League contenders completed their group journey without dropping a point, asserting superiority throughout the clash.
Al Nassr dispatched Al Zawraa SC 5-1 at King Saud University Stadium, reinforcing their pursuit of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ crown. The Saudi Pro League contenders completed their group journey without dropping a point, asserting superiority throughout the clash.
Kingsley Coman struck twice in a standout showing that powered the Riyadh side to a decisive triumph.
Despite the setback, the Iraqi representatives progressed to the Round of 16, edging FC Istiklol on superior goal balance.
Cristiano Ronaldo featured for the first time in this edition of the competition, spearheading the frontline from kickoff.
Al Zawraa, meanwhile, regained the services of Nizar Al Rashdan and Abdalah Nasib after their stint at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.
Both teams exchanged early pressure, with the visitors initially containing the home attack before the breakthrough arrived.
A misplaced pass by Hussain Falah enabled Angelo and Coman to combine, ending with a clinical low strike into the right corner at 12 minutes. Seven minutes after the opener, a chaotic corner provided an opportunity for Wesley, who reacted fastest to a loose ball near the six-yard area, rifling high into the net.
The advantage widened before the half-hour mark when Abdulelah Al Amri met a Joao Felix delivery, guiding a deft header beyond a static Jalal Hassan.
Ronaldo contributed again shortly before the interval, lifting a clever assist into the area for Felix, who lifted a composed finish over the keeper.
By the break, the hosts held a commanding four-goal cushion and controlled all areas of play.
Ronaldo was withdrawn at halftime in favour of Mohammed Marran as Al Nassr adjusted for the second period.
Al Zawraa responded soon after the restart, with Mohammed Qasim threading a pass to Ibrahim Gbadamosi, who reduced the margin with a composed strike past Bento. The goal offered a brief lifeline and injected momentum into the visiting ranks.
However, Al Nassr’s dominance soon re-emerged, halting any chance of a turnaround.
Coman, having skimmed the bar moments earlier, added his second and the hosts’ fifth in the 56th minute.
Felix’s movement created space for the French attacker to slot inside the far corner, reinstating the four-goal separation.
The scoreline held as full-time neared, ensuring Al Nassr’s flawless progress from Group D. Their performance left no doubt about their ambition heading into the knockout rounds.
