Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr will look to make it two wins from two in AFC Champions League Group E against Istiklol.
Danial Esmaeilifar’s own goal and Mohammed Qassem’s second-half finish earned Luis Castro’s side a 2-0 win over two-time winners Persepolis in their opening game.
The triumph was part of an ongoing nine-match winning streak for Al Nassr, but Istiklol continued to impress in 2023, entering the championship round of their domestic league competition in Tajikistan as the top team during the regular season.
Ronaldo scored a late penalty in a 2-1 Saudi Pro League win at Al Ta’ee last time out on September 29 and Castro’s side may need their talisman in form if they are to continue their strong run of results.
Al Nassr vs Istiklol lineups, team news
Summer signing Seko Fofana is pushing for a place in midfield after returning from injury with a pair of substitute appearances. Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina (elbow) remains a long-term absentee.
Al Nassr lineup (4-2-3-1): Alaqidi (GK) — Al Ghannam, Lajami, Laporte, Qaseem— Al Khaibari, Brozovic, Fofana — Talisca, Ghareeb— Ronaldo.
Istiklol lineup (5-3-2): Yatimov (GK) — Nasrullozoda, Kartashyan, Gogoua, Novoselec, Islomov — Kurbonov, A. Dzhalilov, Beganovic — Sebai, Kamolov
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