The Portuguese star’s 81st minute strike secured Al Nassr a 1-0 win over Al Fayha in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.

Al Nassr, seeking to win the AFC Champions League title for the first time. struggled to break down their Saudi Arabian rivals despite enjoying almost 77 percent of possession and with 14 shots, three of which were on target.
Ronaldo, however, felt it was more a case of rustiness with both sides playing their first competitive match in weeks.

“The secret in the squad is our teamwork, and our team is taking the path the coach wants. We are returning to the same rhythm we had before the stop (for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™),” said Ronaldo, who took his AFC Champions League tally to four with the winner against Al Fayha.

“The victories are coming back to the team, and I will strive to maintain my level this season and we we will achieve our targets.”Head coach Luis Castro was satisfied with Al Nassr’s overall performance.

“After a long time without official matches, our team was organised, and we totally controlled the match, and created chances while the opponents didn’t have any,” said Castro.”Today I felt the team is getting back after a long stop, unlike the other sides, we didn’t have a lot of playing time after the return from the training camp in China (PR).

“We played against a team who defended deep, and we could have done a better job but I congratulate the players, and we will celebrate with the fans in the next match,” added Castro, whose side will next meet either Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf or Al Ain FC of United Arab Emirates should they navigate past the Round of 16.

Al Fayhaa head coach Vuk Razovic felt his side could have taken more from the tie.

“I congratulate Al Nassr for the win but they were not the better side. We were weak in possession. Al Nassr didn’t have a lot of chances, there was only the goal by Ronaldo,” said Razovic.

“We tried to get back into the match but this was our first after the break, so I am happy the reach this stage with the capabilities we have. I can’t make promises in football, but I promise not to give up in the second leg.”