Cristiano Ronaldo's brace helped Al-Nassr thrash Al Wasl 4-0 in the AFC Champions League on Monday.
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Ronaldo scored a braceDuran kept quiet on Al-Nassr debutAl-Nassr beat Al Wasl 4-0Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
Al-Nassr looked the more dominant side right from the off as Stefano Pioli handed Jhon Duran his debut in the AFC Champions League fixture. Duran, who completed his big-money move from Aston Villa to the Saudi Pro League side last week, was paired alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
The Saudi giants broke the deadlock in the 25th minute courtesy of a long-range strike from Ali Alhassan some 25 yards from goal. Minutes before the half-time whistle, Al-Nassr were awarded a penalty after Sadio Mane's header hit an opposition defender's hand inside the box. Ronaldo took the spot-kick and comfortably found the back of the net to double his team's lead before the break.
Al Wasl desperately tried to pull one back as they dominated proceedings at the start of the second half, however, Ronaldo completed his brace in the 78th minute against the run of play to secure all three points for his side. Mane chased a through ball down the left side before floating in an inch-perfect cross for the Portugal legend to head home. In the dying moments of the game, second-half substitute Al Fatil scored a fourth goal to ensure a dominant victory for his club.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE MVP
It was Ronaldo's night as the Portugal icon's brace helped Al-Nassr clinch a comfortable win in the AFC Champions League. The veteran forward, who will turn 40 in two days, remained active on the pitch throughout the game and constantly posed a threat on the opposition box.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Al Wasl defender Salem Al Azizi was at fault for conceding the penalty right at the stroke of half-time which allowed the opposition to head into the break with a two-goal cushion. Al Azizi kept his right arm extended as he tried to mark Sadio Mane inside the six-yard box and the ex-Liverpool star's header ended up dropping onto his arm.
Getty ImagesWHAT COMES NEXT?
Pioli's men will be back in action on Friday as they take on Al Feiha in an important Saudi Pro League encounter.