Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Al Nassr’s first Asian Champions League game after being diagnosed with a viral infection. Despite his absence, Saudi clubs are well-prepared for the revamped tournament.
Key Highlights:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo is out of Al Nassr’s opening game due to illness.
2. The Asian Champions League Elite introduces a new format with teams from East and West zones.
3. Saudi teams, including Al Nassr and Al Hilal, have invested heavily in top players like Ronaldo and Neymar.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a viral infection, preventing him from playing in Al Nassr’s Asian Champions League opener this week. The Portuguese star, who had high hopes of adding another title to his collection, is required to rest at home, according to Al Nassr’s team doctor.
Al Nassr, along with other top Saudi teams like Al Hilal and Al Ahli, are part of the revamped Asian Champions League Elite, which now splits 24 teams into East and West zones. These teams will compete in a knockout stage starting from the quarter-finals, with the winner taking home $12 million. Although Ronaldo will miss the match, his team remains a strong contender with players like Sadio Mane and Marcelo Brozovic on the roster.
Meanwhile, other notable Saudi signings like Neymar and England’s Ivan Toney are expected to join in later stages. Al Hilal is aiming to win their fifth Asian title, but Neymar is still recovering from a knee injury. Despite his absence, Saudi teams are prepared for a competitive season with new star signings like Joao Cancelo and Mitrovic.
Teams from across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and China, are also competing, making the tournament one of the most exciting in recent years.