Al-Nassrvs.Esteghlal

The Saudi Arabian and Iranian clubs played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their last-16 tie last week, leaving everything to play for in the reverse fixture of this Elite Knockout Stage encounter.

Match preview

Having recorded just one win from their last six matches in all competitions, it is fair to say that Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo are not enjoying their finest moment.

Most notably, they have dropped 10 points adrift of the leaders in the Saudi Pro League, not helped by a 2-2 draw with Al-Shabab on Friday night.

Despite netting his 26th goal of the season, Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure as Al-Nassr suffered the consequences of playing the remaining 38 minutes with 10 men.

With the league title likely already out of their reach, more focus will be placed on this tournament, but Al-Nassr have been left with work to do after the goalless first leg.

In two matches with Monday's opponents during 2024-25, Al-Nassr have scored just the one goal, albeit credit should be given for keeping clean sheets in each of those encounters.

Meanwhile, Esteghlal are looking to roll back the years 33 years on from their last triumph in this competition having edged their way through the previous stage.

Just two wins were earned from their eight matches, yet the Capital Blues were able to finish in sixth spot in the West Region standings, helped by conceding just nine times.

Miodrag Bozovic's side have impressively gone five matches without defeat in this competition, though, with one of those games being a 2-2 draw away at Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ahli.

That result highlights their capabilities ahead of this contest, despite the fact that they have emerged victorious in just two of their last 10 games in the Persian Gulf League to leave them down in 10th position.

Al-Nassr AFC Champions League form:

Al-Nassr form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

D

D

Esteghlal AFC Champions League form:

Team News

Despite the short turnaround, Stefano Pioli may opt to make limited changes to his Al-Nassr XI.

With Ronaldo having been withdrawn after 71 minutes versus Al-Shabab, the Portuguese superstar should retain his spot, leaving Jhon Duran to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench.

Wesley is an option to get the nod over Angelo Gabriel on the left flank in what could prove to be the most likely alteration.

Meanwhile, Esteghlal have had a week off since the first leg and Bozovic could be prepared to name the same starting lineup.

Joel Kojo is most likely to return in attack having replaced Mohammadreza Azadi at half time of the initial fixture.

Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:

Bento; Al-Boushal, Simakan, Al-Fatil, Qasheesh; Brozovic, Al-Hassan; Mane, Yahya, Angelo; Ronaldo

Esteghlal possible starting lineup:

Hosseini; Rezaeian, Silva, Cheshmi, Hardani, Sohrabian; Ahmadi, Rezavand, Ndong, Koushki; Kojo

We say: Al-Nassr 3-1 Esteghlal

Having held their more illustrious opponents to a goalless draw last time out, Esteghlal will back themselves to earn a similar result here. However, we are backing Ronaldo and co to showcase their attacking superiority to come through with a convincing win.

Written by

Darren Plant

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