Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr start Asian Champions League bid as Saudi clubs chase third straight title | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr begin their Asian Champions League campaign next week, a run that could be his last chance to win it with the Saudi club. Five Saudi Pro League sides are involved after spending more than $2 billion on overseas talent since 2023.

Al-Ahli open their title defence against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor in the western zone. “This is the biggest club in Saudi Arabia and Asia and we will do everything to win,” said captain Edouard Mendy. He told The Associated Press.

The competition is divided into two geographic zones until the playoffs, with the top eight from each advancing to the Round of 16. Saudi champions Al-Nassr include 41-year-old Ronaldo and Portugal team-mate Joao Felix, and were finalists in the second-tier continental event last season.

Felix, signed in 2025 for around $60 million, wants a major title under new coach Ange Postecoglou. “We have a really good squad, a deep squad, our goal is to win every competition we can,” he said.

Record four-time winners Al-Hilal carry heavy expectations after more than $200 million on Ollie Watkins, Gabriel Martinelli and Crysencio Summerville.

Al-Ittihad, champions in 2004 and 2005, target a third crown, while Brendan Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah make their competition debut.

Saudi teams have avoided Iran’s Esteghlal and Tractor in the groups. With regional tension, Iranian clubs are to stage home games in neutral venues, Esteghlal face Al-Sadd in Basra and Tractor meet Shabab Al-Ahli in Dubai.

Source: Sports.ndtv.com

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