Al Ain v Al Nassr: Pre-match updates ahead of AFC Champions League Elite opener

Al Ain will host Al Nassr at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 15 for the opening match of their 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite campaign, with Al Nassr arriving in strong domestic form while Al Ain have struggled for wins.

Al Nassr have taken four victories in their last five matches, including a 2-1 win over Abha, while Al Ain have failed to win any of their last three fixtures. Ange Postecoglou’s side will also look to build on their previous meeting with Al Ain, when they won 5-1 in November 2024.

For Al Ain, Giakoumakis offers a physical presence in the final third and his movement alongside Jonatas Santos could be important against a defence described as vulnerable when stretched. Vladimir Ivić has no unavailable players listed ahead of the fixture and can therefore expect to select his main squad for the match.

Al Nassr will again rely on Cristiano Ronaldo as their primary attacking threat; he has scored three goals in the Saudi Pro League this season and recently moved to 979 career goals after scoring against Abha. Under Ange Postecoglou, the team’s recent domestic run has provided momentum ahead of their continental opener.

In AFC Champions League meetings between the two clubs, Al Nassr have won three of the five previous encounters. Their 5-1 victory in November 2024 remains the most recent result between the sides.

Al Nassr will be without Sultan Al-Ghannam, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and is not expected back until January 2027. Al Ain enter the match with no reported absences in their squad.

The fixture marks Al Ain’s opening match of the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite and serves as Al Nassr’s continental opener; for ongoing coverage and updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, download the Khel Now Android App or iOS App, or join their community on Telegram.