DOHA, NOV 27 – Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Al Nassr in a 3-1 win over Al Gharafa in Qatar yesterday, as the Saudi Arabian champions continued to excel in the Elite stage of the AFC Champions League.
The 39-year-old helped lead Al Nassr to the brink of the last 16 in Asia’s premier continental club competition, needing just two points from their last three group games.
Only Al Shorta, who have two points with four games remaining, can deny Ronaldo’s side from progressing to the next round, after Persepolis drew 1-1 at Al Rayyan.
Al Nassr’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, initially looked set to face a disappointing match after several missed opportunities in the first half at the Al Bayt Stadium.
However, the Portugal star finally opened the scoring just about 50 seconds into the second half, when he headed home Sultan Al Ghannam’s cross from close range.
Al Nassr then doubled their advantage through Angelo Gabriel, a new signing from Chelsea in the summer, in the 58th minute. Six minutes later, the Brazilian was the provider by passing the ball to Ronaldo for his second goal.
The goal took the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player’s tally to four in the rebranded new competition this season, before he was substituted in the 74th minute.
The win ensured Al Nassr remained unbeaten through five games in the Western side of the tournament, and finished second in the 12-team table. – AFP
