Riyadh: Al Nassr continued their dominant form in the 2025-26 season, defeating Istiklol 4-0 in an AFC Champions League clash. The Saudi side, led by coach Jorge Jesus, maintained their unbeaten run in both the AFC Champions League 2 and the Saudi Pro League, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the fixture, a decision by Jorge Jesus to rest the veteran star and manage his workload. Ronaldo, who recently scored a stunning bicycle kick in a previous match, is being preserved for more critical games later in the season, particularly in away fixtures outside Saudi Arabia.
Al Nassr’s Lineup and Tactical Success
In Ronaldo’s absence, Al Nassr demonstrated the squad’s depth. Joao Felix and Angelo led the attack, while Sadio Mane and Haroune Camara were available as substitutes. Their tactical approach paid off handsomely, delivering a dominant 4-0 scoreline against Istiklol.
Key Players in Action:
Joao Felix
Angelo
Al Nassr’s ability to secure such a convincing victory without Ronaldo highlights the team’s strength and flexibility. Fans can still look forward to Ronaldo’s return in the later stages of the AFC Champions League, where his experience and goal-scoring ability will be invaluable.
With this win, Al Nassr cements their status as a formidable contender, combining strategic squad rotation with high-level performance to maintain their unbeaten streak.
