Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start for Al Nassr in tonight’s Al Ain AFC Champions League Elite opener
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Al Nassr in tonight’s AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27 round 1 fixture against Al Ain at the Hazzi Bin Zayed Stadium after training with the first team, the club reporting that he is fit and preparing for the match.
Al Nassr return to the AFC Champions League Elite after winning the Saudi Pro League last season, which made them eligible for the tournament. In the 2025-26 campaign they competed in the AFC Champions League two and, despite dominating that competition, lost to Gamba Osaka in the final. The club will use this season’s participation to pursue the Asian title. Al Ain, representing the UAE Pro League, come into the game unbeaten in their last five matches and will host the round 1 fixture.
The 41-year-old Portuguese talisman is fit and training hard with the first team, which means that he should start in tonight’s Al Ain vs Al Nassr AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27 clash. Work done. Game mode next ✅ pic.twitter.com/c9oivfvqhV
In domestic form this season, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored three goals in six Saudi Pro League games and will now be looking to add to that return on the continental stage. That scoring output is part of his contribution to Al Nassr’s early-season performances.
Al Nassr’s defensive record is a concern ahead of the trip to the UAE: they have failed to secure a clean sheet in their last five matches. That sequence points to a need for greater defensive composure from the Big Yellow if they are to avoid problems in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Al Ain will enter the match with confidence from their unbeaten run and home advantage at Hazzi Bin Zayed Stadium; Al-Zaeem will be aiming to take down Al Nassr but face a side carrying Cristiano Ronaldo and recent domestic momentum.
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The fixture is the opening round for both clubs in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27 and tonight’s result will officially begin their campaigns in the competition.