Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence on Monday, when the Saudi membership kicked off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw towards Al Shorta in Iraq. Al Nassr captain Ronaldo didn’t journey with the squad for the match in Baghdad, with the membership issuing a press release a day earlier than stating that the Portuguese famous person had been recognized with a viral an infection. Al Nassr, who have been knocked out of final season’s Asian Champions League within the quarter-finals by eventual champions Al Ain, got a dream begin within the Iraqi capital, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio’s astute, first-time cross on 14 minutes to complete low previous Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
However, the hosts drew degree 10 minutes later.
A combination-up on the again between new signings Salem Al Najdi and former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan allowed Al Shorta ahead Mohammed Dawood to steal in and ship an excellent effort excessive previous Bento within the Al Nassr aim.
Meanwhile, fellow Saudi facet Al Ahli eked to a 1-0 victory at dwelling to Iran’s Persepolis in Jeddah, with new recruit Ivan Toney making his Asian soccer debut.
Ivory Coast worldwide Franck Kessie set the house facet on their means within the second minute, rifling dwelling from Riyad Mahrez’s help.
Persepolis have been awarded a penalty 4 minutes earlier than half-time, when Merih Demiral was deemed to have dedicated a foul inside the realm, nevertheless the choice was overturned following a VAR evaluation.
In the second half, Toney received Al Ahli a spot-kick of their very own — he was felled by rival defender Hossein Kanani — just for Mahrez’s penalty to be saved effectively by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.
England worldwide Toney, a high-profile signing late final month from Premier League membership Brentford, missed a golden alternative to open his account 5 minutes from time, however dragged his shot huge.
He had made his debut for Al Ahli final Friday.
Elsewhere, Al Ain started their title defence with a 1-1 draw at dwelling to Qatar’s Al Sadd.
Akram Afif, 2019 Asian Football of the Year and participant of the event on the Asian Cup earlier this 12 months, opened the scoring at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on the hour.
But Al Ain earned a degree 10 minutes from time, by Argentine Matias Palacios.
In Monday’s different match, Iran’s Esteghlal noticed off Qatari facet Al Gharafa 3-0.
The new format options 24 groups — 12 from West Asia and 12 from East Asia.
With every membership taking part in 4 matches at dwelling and 4 away, the highest eight in both sides of the draw progress to the knockout levels early subsequent 12 months.
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