Ronaldo set for AFC Champions League Elite debut
Al Nassr face Al Ain in Ronaldo's first AFC Champions League Elite match, with the striker 21 goals from 1,000 and still chasing this trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo makes his debut in the AFC Champions League Elite proper on Tuesday, when Al Nassr travel to Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates for the opening fixture of the regular phase.
Al Nassr go into the tie after a 1-1 draw with Al Khaleej in the Saudi league, a result that let leaders Al Hilal move two points clear at the top, 18 points to 16, after a win of their own last time out.
Khalid Eisa, the Al Ain goalkeeper, was asked about facing Ronaldo before the match.
Ronaldo arrives at the tie 21 goals short of 1,000 for his career, and the Asian Champions League is the one trophy still missing from his collection. He lines up alongside João Félix, who has scored five times since joining Al Nassr in January, and Samu Costa, the defensive midfielder signed in August who already has two goals for the club.
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- Cristiano Ronaldo preparado para a estreia na Liga dos Campeões Asiática record.pt
- Cristiano Ronaldo começa o ataque à conquista da Champions asiática record.pt
- Cristiano Ronaldo fails to score in Al-Nassr’s 2026-27 ACL debut: How many games does he have left to reach 1,000 career goals? worldsoccertalk.com