Ronaldo Double takes Al Nassr to the brink of Asian Champions League quarters

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Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice for Al Nassr as they continued to thrive in the AFC Champions League Elite, with the Saudi champions defeating Al Gharafa 3-1 in Qatar on Monday.

The 39-year-old’s contribution moved Al Nassr closer to the last eight, needing just three points from their last three group games.

Al Nassr captain Ronaldo had looked set to endure a hugely frustrating game after a string of missed opportunities in the first half at the Al Bayt Stadium.

However, the Portugal star finally opened the scoring just over 50 seconds into the second half when he headed in Sultan Al Ghannam’s cross from close range.

Al Nassr then doubled their advantage through Angelo Gabriel, a summer signing from Chelsea, on 58 minutes, before the Brazilian provider six minutes later to tee up Ronaldo for his second.

The goal took the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus man to four goals in this season’s rebranded competition before he was substituted after 74 minutes.

Al Gharafa pulled one back through Joselu, a former teammate of Ronaldo at Madrid.

Yet their hopes of an unlikely late rally were dashed when Seydou Sano was sent off six minutes from the end of normal time for a second offence.

The win ensures Al Nassr remain unbeaten through five games in the western side of the tie and move into second place in the 12-team table.

The Riyadh club now sit behind only Saudi counterparts Al Ahli, who maintained their 100 per cent record thanks to a double from substitute Ivan Toney to see off Asian champions Al Ain 2-1 in the UAE.

The England international was left on the bench for the game at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium but, after being introduced on 65 minutes, scored within five minutes. First he headed home Riyad Mahrez’s deep free-kick.

A late signing of the window from English Premier League club Brentford in August, Toney hit what proved to be the winner four minutes later.

This time he met a superb long pass from former Manchester City winger Mahrez to finish past Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa.

Al Ain, who defeated Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds to win the title in April, pulled one back late on through Kaka’s sublime volley.

The win means Al Ahli have now won all five games in the rebranded competition, leading the Western standings by 15 points.

Also in that section, Iran’s Esteghlal were held to a goalless draw by Pakhtakor Tashkent of Uzbekistan in Dubai.

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