It may not have been their most dazzling display, but Jorge Jesus expressed satisfaction after Al Nassr confirmed their place in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ quarter-finals on Wednesday.
It may not have been their most dazzling display, but Jorge Jesus expressed satisfaction after Al Nassr confirmed their place in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ quarter-finals on Wednesday.
A goal inside two minutes from Abdulrahman Ghareeb proved decisive as the Saudi side completed a 2-0 aggregate triumph over Turkmenistan’s FK Arkadag.
The swift opener set the tone and ensured Al Nassr advanced to the last eight, where they will face Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates.
Jesus highlighted the importance of the result, stressing that moving forward in the competition was the primary target.
The Portuguese coach explained that the encounter served a dual purpose. Beyond qualification, it allowed him to distribute minutes among several squad members.
He singled out Ghareeb for praise, noting that the forward seized his opportunity with an impressive performance capped by his early strike.
With matches coming every three days, Jesus underlined the necessity of rotating players due to injuries, suspensions, and general fatigue.
He added that his staff would continue selecting the most appropriate approach for each fixture as the club competes on multiple fronts.
Al Nassr are chasing success both domestically in the Saudi Pro League and in continental competition, and Jesus made clear the ambition to lift both trophies.
He acknowledged that the team had endured a challenging spell because of injuries but said defensive shortcomings had been addressed.
The numbers reflect that progress, with the side now on a run of nine successive matches without conceding.
According to Jesus, the players’ dedication and commitment have been central to that stability as the club prepares for the next stage of its campaign.
