Al Nassr to host Al Wasl at Al Awwal Park in AFC Champions League Elite group stage on October 26

Al Nassr will host Al Wasl at Al Awwal Park on October 26 in their third group-stage match of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27, with both sides seeking momentum in the competition. Al Nassr arrive after a 3-1 win over Neftchi Fergana, while Al Wasl have lost their opening two group fixtures.

Al Nassr began their Asian campaign with a defeat but recovered in their second game by beating Neftchi Fergana 3-1; the squad’s depth is cited as an advantage and coach Ange Postecoglou wants his team to take control from the outset and maintain defensive discipline. The club’s recent domestic form also featured a 3-1 league victory against Al Faisaly, in which Cristiano Ronaldo was among the scorers.

Al Wasl have lost both of their opening AFC Champions League Elite matches and were beaten 1-3 by Al Ahli in their most recent outing, conceding an early goal, equalising at the end of the first half and ultimately failing to hold the Royals. The Cheetahs sit without points from their first two group games.

Mehdi Taremi is expected to carry Al Wasl’s attacking hopes; the 34-year-old has two goals in four league appearances but is yet to score in this season’s Asian competition and will aim to change that in the final third for his side. Team sources note Taremi will look to find the scoresheet in the continental fixtures.

Cristiano Ronaldo, described in team notes as one of the main figures in Al Nassr’s attack, is set to lead the line once more and was a scorer in the club’s recent 3-1 Saudi Pro League victory over Al Faisaly. The 41-year-old’s presence is highlighted as a focal point for Al Nassr’s offence heading into the match.

Injury and selection news: Sultan Al Ghannam will sit out for Al Nassr due to injury, while Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman remain doubtful with fitness issues; Al Wasl are reported to have their squad fit and available. Projected lineups published ahead of the game list Bento (GK); Boushal, Al Amri, Martinez, Yahya; Al Khaibari, Samu; Angelo, Felix, Mane; Ronaldo for Al Nassr, and Horkas (GK); Malheiro, Bouftiny, Ivkovic, Hugo; Puertas, Popoola; Spadacio, Gimenez, Serginho; Taremi for Al Wasl.

Match details and forecast: Khel Now’s match preview gives Al Nassr the edge and offers a prediction of Al Nassr 3-1 Al Wasl. The clash takes place at Al Awwal Park on October 26; in Saudi Arabia it will be broadcast on beIN Sports and Al Kass, and viewers can also use FanCode for coverage.